Women's Lacrosse looks to alum to be new coach
AU Athletics announced Aug. 11 that Ashley Flanigan is the new head coach of the Women's Lacrosse team for the 2003-04 season. Flanigan, a 2001 AU graduate, will take over for Maureen Dupcak who resigned in July after six seasons as coach.
"I am very excited about this opportunity at my alma mater," Flanigan said in a press release. "I have a strong loyalty and passion for AU in both Women's Lacrosse and the University as a whole."
Flanigan holds several AU Lacrosse records as a player, including being one of four players to score 100 goals and 100 points. She plans to continue the success begun by her predecessor in the next year and the "development of a strong tradition."
"I am extremely excited to have Ashley as our new head coach," Athena Argyropoulos said, associate athletic director. "As a player her passion for the game was contagious, and she inspired those around her to excel. I believe she will exude these same qualities as the leader of the program."
The Women's Lacrosse team made their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament last year after winning the Patriot League championship. Dupcak was awarded the Patriot League Coach of Year award for the 2002-03 season and has the most wins by a Lacrosse coach in AU History.
Dupcak resigned in order to spend more time with her family, including her one-year-old daughter Samantha.
- KEITH F. SHOVLIN
AU continues search for new athletics director; aim for September
On July 31 Athletic Director Tom George officially resigned from his post and left a strengthening department without a leader.
AU's administration acted quickly, hiring a national search firm to assist the athletic department in finding a new director.
"Currently there is not an acting AD because this vacancy is short term and a replacement should be selected soon," Assistant Athletic Director for Communication Shaun May said.
The sports community was surprised by the departure of George after he revived AU sports. Under George's direction AU has won 11 Patriot League titles and raised the cumulative GPA of the athletic student body to its highest level in AU history.
"I appreciate the opportunity that American University has afforded me and I want to thank the entire AU community for their support of my efforts," George said after resigning during this summer for personal circumstances.
The consulting firm, Carr Sports Associates, has been hired to find an athletic director for AU. Their track record includes assisting the University of Kentucky and Arkansas State University in hiring their current athletic directors.
"Consultants have been interviewing coaches and athletes for the past month to find the right match for our school," said May.
According to May, AU will have an Athletic Director selected by the week of Sept. 8, who should be ready to take over the fully functional roll before the end of September.
- ADAM MONTGOMERY
