LOWELL, Mass, -- UMass Lowell Director of Athletics Peter Casey announced the hiring of Lisa Miller (Danvers, Mass.) as head coach of the River Hawk Women's Lacrosse team on Friday afternoon.

Miller most recently served as Head Coach of the Harvard Women's Lacrosse program from 2007 to 2018. Prior to Harvard, Miller was the Head Coach of the startup Syracuse women's program (1996-2007).  

"River Hawk Nation is so fortunate to welcome Lisa Miller to our family," said Casey.  "I think Lisa's coaching pedigree speaks for itself, and she has proven to be a first-rate coach who develops her student-athletes.  It was important for us to find a coach that will recruit and advance our program.  Lisa has earned tremendous respect within the women's lacrosse community and communicated a strong vision for the program throughout the interview process.  Her past teams have reflected effort, fundamentals, intensity, and toughness as well as skill and execution.  Under Coach Miller's leadership, the women's lacrosse program will reach its full potential and will ultimately start competing for conference championships."

She has posted a 191-139 career coaching record (.579) in 21 seasons as an NCAA head coach. She guided the Crimson to 85 wins in 11 seasons at Harvard and led the team to an appearance in the Ivy League Championship Game in 2011. While at Syracuse, she led the Orange to six NCAA tournament appearances, including a berth in the 2007 Elite Eight. Miller, who was the 2007 Big East Coach of the Year, posted a 106-52 record (.671) in 10 seasons with the Orange. 

"I am beyond thrilled to join the River Hawk family as the women's lacrosse head coach and want to thank Peter Casey, Alan Zebrak and the entire search committee for believing in me and sharing in my vision for leading this program into the future," said Miller. "Every day UMass Lowell is reaching new heights in academics, research, and athletics and the passion, excitement and support for the programs, student-athletes, and community is palpable. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated coaches, administrators, players and staff as we start building the women's lacrosse program into a perennial America East championship contender."

Miller was named the Canadian National Team head coach in January of 2007 after serving as an assistant coach for the Canadian team in 2000-01. She began a term as a member of the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Committee in September of 2007 and has previously served on the Tewaaraton Trophy Selection Committee (2004-06) and as chair of the All-America Committee (1995-98).

Prior to taking over at Syracuse, Miller got her first taste of the Ivy League as an assistant coach at Brown from 1994-96. Following her third and final season, in which she helped Brown go 15-4 and reach No. 15 in the national rankings, Miller left to start the Syracuse program.

Miller began her coaching career here in Massachusetts. She served first as an assistant coach, then as associate head coach at Wheaton from 1991-94 after getting her start as head coach of girls' lacrosse and field hockey at Thayer Academy in Braintree in 1988-89.

Miller played four seasons at William & Mary (1984-87) and was captain of her team, the 1987 Outstanding Female Senior Athlete and an All-America selection. She graduated in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in economics. She ranks tied for eighth on the William & Mary all-time goals list with 118 and 11th on its career points list with 145. 

Miller was also a member of the U.S. National Team as a senior and completed her playing career as an alternate on the 1989 World Cup squad. In 2004, Miller became only the third women's lacrosse player to be inducted into the William & Mary Athletics Hall of Fame.  
"A huge congratulations to UMass Lowell for hiring an experienced leader in Lisa Miller.  Lisa has had such a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes and coaches in women's lacrosse, including my own.  She is a cerebral tactician and diligent strategist.  Lisa cares so much about our sport and how the game is played, she is competitive to the core and I am confident will put the River Hawks quickly on the map.  I know Lisa will bring her very best to UMass Lowell and the athletic department and student-athletes are lucky to have a coach in place that they can absolutely count on."
Amy Bokker, Head Coach, Ohio State Women's Lacrosse
 
"Lisa Miller is an excellent coach. She's a brilliant tactician who instills a competitive drive in all of her players. Her lacrosse teams are always prepared to battle, and there's no question she inspires a winning mentality. She brings a wealth of experience to the UMass Lowell program, and their future is bright with Coach Miller at the helm." Jenny Graap, Head Coach, Cornell Women's Lacrosse

"Lisa Miller is a tremendous coach, mentor and motivator.  I coached against Coach Miller for many years and recently had the opportunity to coach with her.  Coaching against her teams, I always knew Lisa's players would be exceptionally prepared and relentless about success.  Working with her, I learned what an incredible mentor and teacher she is in the day to day. UMass Lowell Lacrosse is extremely fortunate to have Coach Miller as their next leader."
Keely McDonald, Head Coach, Brown Women's Lacrosse 

"As one of Lisa's former players, I feel so fortunate to have played for and learned from one of the best lacrosse minds in today's game. I can honestly say that Lisa instills in each of her players a love of the game, an unparalleled work ethic, and a passion for success. I have no doubt that we will see the UMass Lowell program on the rise during her tenure there." - Jill Batcheller, Head Coach, Drexel Women's Lacrosse