Troy, NY----The Sage Colleges Athletic Director, Dani Drews announced the selection of Pete Stapleton (Troy, NY) to serve as the head coach of women’s lacrosse at the College.

Dani Drews, Athletic Director said of the selection, “Sage is fortunate to have Pete joining our coaching staff.” Drews added, “He brings a great deal of coaching experience, passion and professionalism to our department.  I am confident that he'll make an immediate impact on our lacrosse program and help us challenge for a Skyline Conference title in the near future."

Stapleton said of his appointment, “I am extremely excited to be taking over this program. He added, “While it’s only been a varsity program for a few seasons, I am very thrilled to build upon the foundation that has already been established. Sage women’s lacrosse recruits will have an opportunity to make an immediate impact for our team. “

The 2012 season will mark the fourth season of varsity competition for the program, which will compete as a member of the Skyline Conference. Stapleton inherits a program that graduated just four seniors in 2011 and returns half of the starting lineup.

Stapleton comes to Sage after serving as a member of the coaching staff last season at nearby RPI, where he served as a volunteer assistant coach and assisted with scouting opponents, the breakdown of game films, and the daily implementation of practices.   Prior to that, Stapleton spent five years at the Emma Willard School as an assistant lacrosse coach. Four times he produced the league all-star first team honoree at goalie, while also helping the team to the 2007 NYSPHAA Section II, Class C Championship and the runner-up crown in both 2006 and 2008. In addition, Stapleton served as the school's head varsity swimming and diving coach since 2004.   He led the resurgence of the program that had posted 0-22 record in the two seasons prior to his arrival and helped turn the program around with 12 qualifiers for the 2009 and 2010 Section II Championship meet and a 6-4 meet record in 2010.

A graduate of Shaker High School, Stapleton is a familiar face in the Capital Region. He noted, “Having grown up in the area I was aware of Sage and am excited to help the team grow to be a regional factor in women’s lacrosse as we move forward.”

Stapleton is a 2004 graduate of The College of Saint Rose with a bachelor of arts degree.  He went on to earn his master of science degree in physical education at Springfield College in 2010 and continues to work toward his doctoral degree in physical education there as well.

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