Dear members of the Gettysburg College campus community,
BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPS! Our women’s lacrosse team has won the NCAA Division III National Championship for the second consecutive year! Gettysburg’s women’s lacrosse has earned three national championships—in 2011, 2017, and now 2018.
I couldn’t be prouder of this team, and I hope you share my pride in these student-athletes who have not only demonstrated tremendous resilience and teamwork throughout their historic season, but who have personified the values of Gettysburg College both on and off the field. They are a remarkable group of young women!
I would also like to recognize the great talent and efforts of Head Coach Carol Cantele ’83—who, in my book, is the best women’s lacrosse coach in the country—and standout assistant coaches, Barb Jordan and Kate Fowler. Of course, it takes a village to support a team as they reach this level of success, and I send a big thank you to our athletic trainers, our athletic communications team, our athletics staff, and everyone who has supported this team as they defended their national title.
I also want to thank our alumni, specifically our former women’s lacrosse players, who helped build the foundation for today’s success—dedicated student-athletes, as well as coaches, parents, and friends who have supported our teams over the years. The support of our women’s lacrosse parents throughout this season has been incredible and has played a key role in the team’s success. They have a right to be very proud of their daughters!
In her special Commencement address to our lacrosse players, Professor Sharon Stephenson described these players as “mythical beasts,” for their dedication, focus, and resolve. These women surely lived up to that description today! Congratulations to every one of them!
Please be sure to check out the coverage on social media and help us share the news about this fabulous national championship team.
With great pride,
Janet Morgan Riggs ‘77
President