Jan. 23, 2008

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Former Nittany Lion Debora Andress has been named the head coach of the newly formed women's lacrosse program at Penn State Abington, a branch campus located in suburban Philadelphia. Varsity play will begin in Spring 2009 with the team competing against area NCAA Division II and III programs.

Andress, instructor of kinesiology at Penn State Abington, has coached lacrosse and/or played at nearly every level, from youth to national play. A former member of the U.S. Women's Lacrosse Team from 1980-1984, the Penn State graduate played both field hockey and lacrosse for the Nittany Lions and was a member of teams that won two AIAW National Championships during her tenure. She was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.

In addition to her skills as a player, Andress has served as head of the selection committee and head coach for the Philadelphia Area Girls Lacrosse Association U15 and U13 squads from 2002-2006, and she continues to direct and coach the OLMC Girls Lacrosse Youth Organization for second through eighth-grade girls in Bucks County.

"Without a doubt, Deb Andress is the right coach at the right time to begin our new program," said Penn State Abington Director of Athletics Karen Weaver. "Her experience and involvement in the game for the past 25 years made her an exceptional candidate."

Andress is excited about the opportunity. "I am so thrilled and honored to accept the head coaching position of our new women's lacrosse program here at Penn State Abington," she said. "With the present explosion of the sport throughout the country, we are proud to provide an opportunity for our student athletes to participate at the collegiate level. To create, develop and lead our new women's lacrosse program to great heights is my goal."