Riverdale, NY - One of the all time great student-athletes in UMSV history is going from the playing field to the sideline — just months after walking across the graduation stage.
Alicia Rodriguez '25 has been appointed as the head coach of the University's women's lacrosse program, a move that was spearheaded by Phil Stern, Vice President for Athletics and Recreation. She will replace Marisa Misuraca '23, who did an admirable job as the interim head coach in 2024.
"We are thrilled to welcome back one of the most decorated student-athletes in Skyline Conference and UMSV Athletics history. Alicia is loved and respected by all on our campus and will be an amazing leader for our women's lacrosse program," Stern told UMSVAthletics.com. "Her knowledge of the sport coupled with her passion for The Mount will shine through in all aspects of the program. I look forward to helping grow the program with her."
Rodriguez was a four-year member of the program that she now leads, and walked away as arguably the greatest Dolphin to play in Riverdale. The Easton, Pennsylvania native was named First Team All Skyline Conference in each of her first three seasons and earned Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and took home Defender of the Year as a junior. She opened her senior campaign with a four goal, eight draw control, two caused turnover performance against Montclair State University but unfortunately saw her season cut short de to an ACL tear in the same contest.
"I would like to thank Phil and the athletic department for this opportunity," said Rodriguez. "I am thrilled to be back at UMSV and to help grow this program. As a former student-athlete here at the Mount, I can't talk enough about the positives experiences I had and how they shaped me as a person."
Despite being active in just one game in her final year, Rodriguez completed her career ranking in the top three in numerous all time and single season records. She currently has the most points and goals in a single season while ranking second all time in goals (168), third all time in points (216) and fourth all time in assists (48). Rodriguez also finished second in program history in both draw controls (245) and ground balls (214) and is third all time in caused turnovers (102).
Rodriguez wasn't only a star for the women's lacrosse program. She also captained the women's soccer team, where she was a three-time First Team All Conference selection while propelling the Dolphins to a regular season championship, two conference finals appearances and the program first Skyline Conference crown in 2023.
Rodriguez inherits a women's lacrosse team that has core foundational pieces and are looking to return to the Skyline playoff picture. Goalkeeper Makenna Reekie returns for her senior season after being named First Team All-Skyline in 2024 and is set to anchor the defense. 20 goal scorer Ella Meberg will look to continue her success on the offensive end of the field while Laziza Azimova, AB Burnett, Isabelle Gurley and Isabella Melecio round out a veteran unit that will look to put points on the board.
"As a player, my goal was always to work hard, maintain a positive mindset both on and off the field and foster a family-like environment for those around me. Now, as head coach, that goal remains the same," Rodriguez continued. "I aim to help our team discover their true passion for lacrosse while learning the value of being great teammates, working hard on the field and excelling in the classroom."
The Dolphins are set to open their 2025 season on the road against FDU-Florham on February 21.
