George Washington University Athletics
Kelly Lechner Joins GW Lacrosse Coaching Staff
2/24/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
 |  | Follow @GWLacrosse |
Feb. 24, 2016
WASHINGTON -- Former Penn State standout Kelly Lechner has joined the GW lacrosse staff as an assistant coach, second-year head coach Tracy Coyne announced on Wednesday.
"We're very excited to bring Kelly on board," said Coach Coyne. "She comes from a great program at Penn State, where she made a significant impact over four years. That experience will be really valuable as we build our program and try to become more of a presence in the A-10 like she helped Penn State become a presence nationally. She recognizes the hard work that's involved, she knows how to contribute to a positive culture, and she was very respected by her teammates. I think she'll mesh really well with our philosophy. She's really upbeat and positive, and I'm excited to have her."
Lechner helped lead the Nittany Lions to the 2015 Big Ten title and four straight NCAA Tournament berths, including Elite Eight appearances in 2012, 2013 and 2015. She tallied 119 goals and 138 draw controls in her career, including a career-high 47 goals and 49 draw controls as a sophomore in 2013, when she was named a Second-Team IWLCA All-American.
A two-time team captain, Lechner was also a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and an elected member of Penn State's Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) and Athletic Director's Leadership Institute.
"I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of the GW women's lacrosse family, and I look forward to working with Coach Coyne and Coach Mock," Lechner said. "I am eager to be a part of this program as we work toward being strong contenders in the A-10 this season."
Lechner graduated from Penn State in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation and human services. A native of nearby Silver Spring, Maryland, she is the all-time leading scorer (342 goals) at WCAC power Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, which won four straight conference titles during her scholastic career.
