INDIANA, Pa. – IUP Director of Athletics Steve Roach announced Monday the hiring of alumna Brenna Gallagher ('16) as the seventh head coach in the history of the school's women's lacrosse program.
 
"I am excited to announce that Brenna will be returning to IUP to serve as our next head women's lacrosse coach," Roach said. "During Brenna's previous time at IUP, she exhibited the leadership, work ethic and maturity of a highly successful student-athlete. In only a few years, Brenna has shown these same qualities in her transition to coaching.
 
"I am confident that Brenna will bring outstanding leadership to our program and develop our lacrosse student-athletes both on and off the field."
 
Gallagher returns to her alma mater after spending the last two seasons with the Misericordia (Pa.) University women's lacrosse program, including 2018 as the head coach. She led the Cougars to the team's fourth straight Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) championship game appearance and a 12-9 overall record this spring.
 
"I would like to thank Dr. Michael Driscoll, Dr. Rhonda Luckey and Steve Roach for the opportunity to lead the IUP women's lacrosse program," Gallagher said. "I feel so fortunate, humbled and excited to coach at my alma mater.
 
"The support and vision for the IUP athletics department and university is one that I am eager and honored to be a part of. I look forward to continuing to build on the foundation of success and culture of IUP women's lacrosse as well as continuing to build on the traditions of the program."
 
Gallagher helped five players earn all-conference honors in 2018, including four first team selections. She also saw two underclassmen – Brianna Ladner and Kaila Quinlivan – named to all-region squads. Just a sophomore, Quinlivan tied the school's single season scoring record with 85 points.
 
Gallagher was named the head coach at Misericordia in May 2017 after one year as the team's graduate assistant coach, handling many of the day-to-day operations under interim head coach MaryKate Stauffer. The Cougars set a school record for wins in 2017 with a 14-5 record and advanced to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) title game.
 
She went into coaching in 2016 after a standout collegiate career with the Crimson Hawks. A second team All-American selection as a senior, Gallagher led IUP with 53 ground balls and 26 caused turnovers and finished second with 63 draw controls. The ground ball and caused turnover totals are both top five marks in single season program history.
 
Gallagher finished her career as the program's all-time leader with 161 ground balls and 73 games played, starting 71 times. She's also currently second in the IUP record books with 91 caused turnovers and ninth with 100 draw controls for her career.
 
She started 15 of 17 games as a true freshman in 2012, finishing second on the team with 22 caused turnovers. Gallagher combined for 40 caused turnovers her next two seasons, before playing just three games in 2015 after suffering a season-ending injury. She was awarded a medical redshirt and returned for her All-American 2016 season.
 
Gallagher and the Crimson Hawks had a combined 60-28 record from 2012-16, advancing to the semifinals of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) tournament three times under head coach Mindy Richmond. Gallagher now replaces Richmond, who went 105-67 in 10 years at IUP, after she left to take over the program at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida.
 
Gallagher earned bachelor's degrees in child development and family relations, and sociology and human services from IUP. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in organizational management.
 
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