Oct. 28, 2009

PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle lacrosse program recently announced its newest addition to the coaching staff for the 2009-10 season. Natasha Fuchs, a 2008 graduate of James Madison University, will take over as an assistant coach for the Explorers.

Fuchs’s responsibility will be focused around the attack/midfield aspect, in addition to the draw unit.

“[Natasha] is fresh off a stellar playing career,” said La Salle head coach Candace Taglianetti. “A former draw specialist and well-rounded attacking player, I know she will bring new ideas to our program as a coach.”

The Bay Shore, NY, native was a two-year starter at Virginia Tech from 2004-06 before transferring to James Madison. While at Virginia Tech, Fuchs was the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Freshman of the Year in 2004 and, in 2005, she led the team and conference and ranked seventh in the NCAA in draw controls (3.59).

In her first season as a starter at James Madison, Fuchs ended the 2007 campaign ranked second in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in assists and assists average. She was also honored with the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Award twice (2007, 2008).

The former U.S. Developmental Team Member (2005-07) concluded her career at James Madison ranked second in assists and ninth in points on the school’s all-time career list.

“One of my primary goals is to increase the production on offense,” said Fuchs. “Aside from that, raising the winning percentage on draw controls is another expectation for the upcoming season.”

The Explorers will open the 2010 season at Navy on Friday, Feb. 12. The game is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.