Nicole Grote begins her first season at La Salle in 2020 under Katie Rhodes Abbott.
Grote was previously an assistant at American University for two seasons. In 2019, she helped the Eagles to their best record in six years. Under her guidance, the offense flourished that season, netting its most goals (87) since 2013, most goals per game (11.00) since 2012 and most shots on goal (362) since 2011. She helped with the Eagles' facilitation of the ball, leading to 87 assists—tied for the most since 2003.
Rhodes Abbott has admired Grote from the opposition's bench, and had this to say on her hiring: "I am so excited to bring Nicole on staff. I knew her from my time in the Patriot League and saw the growth of American's offense under her mentorship. I think she is a great compliment to both myself and Coach Rainone and the team will welcome her energy and knowledge with open arms."
Before landing in the Patriot League, Grote spent the 2017 season as an assistant at Iona College. She also coached at the youth and high school levels, notably acting as the director of the University of New Hampshire Lacrosse Middle School Camp since 2013.
Grote had a noteworthy playing career as a four-year starter at New Hampshire. She was listed to the America East All-Rookie team her freshman season in 2013, netting 15 goals and seven assists. In 2016, Grote was named team captain and recorded her most productive offensive season, ranking second on the team in points (38) and assists (19) and third in goals (19). That year, she picked up America East All-Conference Second Team and All-Tournament Team honors. She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Sports Studies.
Grote offered her thoughts on the next step in her journey: "I am very excited to join the La Salle family and assist Katie in her second year. This is a great privilege to work with an established program competing in the A10! I am so thrilled for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started!"
