Melissa Rausch begins her fourth season as the Nichols College head women’s lacrosse coach and third as an assistant coach with the men’s program in 2020.
In 2019, the Bison broke the program record for free position goals (57) while their 170 tallies is the third-best mark in program history. Kirsten Sullivan potted 52 goals – including a school-record 25 free position goals – and finished with 56 points, which is the fourth-highest mark at NC. Six student-athletes were named to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Academic All-Conference Team, bringing the three-year total under Rausch to 20.
On the men’s side, the 2019 edition of the Bison advanced to the CCC Quarterfinals for the second-straight season and produced four CCC Academic All-Conference selections, three all-conference picks (Brian McKinley – First Team, Hunter Ferreira – Second Team, Matt O’Connell – Second Team), and a pair of New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) Academic Team picks.
The Bison has six student-athletes named to the CCC Academic All-Conference Team in 2018. Mellissa LaFleur was named to the CCC Third Team following the season after establishing a single-season record for draw controls (93). The men, meanwhile, posted the second-highest win total in program history (11) and saw five student-athletes recognized by the conference: Brayden Carroll (CCC Second Team), Brian McKinley (CCC Third Team), MacKenzie Martin (CCC Third Team), Matt O’Connell (CCC Third Team), and Steven Moutsoulas (CCC Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year).
In her first season at the helm of the women’s lacrosse program in 2017, the Bison produced eight Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Academic All-Conference selections. She also coached CCC Second Team pick Broke Marion and helped the Bison secure five victories, including the first-ever against conference foe Gordon.
Rausch – who will also serve as the athletic department’s transportation coordinator – came to Nichols after spending time as both the head coach at Kent Denver School as well as the National Girls Director at 3D Lacrosse, both located in Colorado. Rausch coached five all-conference students and one All-America at Kent.
At 3D Lacrosse, one of the largest lacrosse companies in the world, she was responsible for all six girl’s markets, developing national level camps, clinics and tournaments, as well as working alongside the Director of Methodology in the creation of practice plans and long-term goals for the girl’s program. She was named the 3D Lacrosse Coach of the Year in 2016 and was the first female coach, to coach at the former Nike Bluechip, one of the top boys recruiting events in the country. Rausch – who joined 3D Lacrosse in 2013 as the Colorado Girls Manager – is a member of the US Lacrosse Women’s Game Committee, a Coaching Subcommittee Chair, and a Certified Level 1 Coach.
Prior to her appointment at Kent and 3D Lacrosse, Rausch was the head coach at Rampart High School in Colorado Springs (2011-15). She inherited a program with just 14 players and expended it to 46 in just four years. Rausch saw five of her players earn Southern League All-Conference honors and one earn All-America status. Additionally, she managed the team’s academics and worked to keep all players eligible, scheduled and ran all team building and fundraising activities, and supervised all conditioning & weight training programs both in-and-out of season.
A graduate of Elmira College in New York, Rausch was a three-year captain, two-time Empire 8 All-Conference selection, and received Offensive Player of the Year honors during her time with the Soaring Eagles women’s lacrosse program. A dual sport athlete, she also competed with the field hockey team.
Career Record at Nichols
|
W |
L |
| 2017 |
5 |
11 |
| 2018 |
4 |
11 |
| 2019 |
3 |
14 |
| Totals |
12 |
36 |
