BURLINGTON, Vt. – Former UMass All-American goalkeeper Jen Nardi has been named the first full-time assistant coach in the women’s lacrosse program’s history. Head coach Jen Johnson made the announcement today.

“I am very pleased with the athletic department’s decision to fully fund our assistant coaching position. It is another sign that shows the department’s commitment to developing the women’s lacrosse program,” stated Johnson.

“The department’s support has allowed us to hire someone of Jen Nardi’s caliber. I am very excited with the experience and knowledge that Jen has to offer. I am confident that she will be a tremendous addition to our program.”

Nardi spent the past season as the head women’s lacrosse coach at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire. She led the Chargers to the semifinals of the Commonwealth Coast Conference Tournament and four players earned all-conference honors.

Prior to taking the helm at Colby-Sawyer, Nardi returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach. She worked primarily with the goalkeepers at UMass, where she was one of the top keepers in school history. As a junior she led the nation in goals against average (6.75) and save percentage (.644). She also led the NCAA in save percentage (.700) as a sophomore en route to her first All-Atlantic 10 Team selection. During her career she earned Preseason All-American honors and was also an IWLCA Northeast Regional All-American.

At UMass, Nardi played in 55 games making 600 saves and allowing just under eight goals per outing. During her four year career she led UMass to its last Atlantic 10 Championship (2000), an ECAC Semifinal appearance and two Atlantic 10 Semifinal appearances.

She graduated from UMass in 2001 with a B.A. in hotel, restaurant and travel administration.

Nardi’s other collegiate experience includes two seasons as an assistant coach at California-Berkeley and one season as an assistant at St. Mary's (Calif.) College prior to working with the Bears.

Following her graduation from UMass, she spent one year as head coach of Grant High School in Portland, Oregon. Under her leadership the team went from ninth place to second place in conference play.