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James Madison adds Emily Boissonneault as assistant lacrosse coach

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jmu-logo-newEmily Boissonneault has joined the James Madison women’s lacrosse coaching staff as an assistant coach, Head Coach Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe announced earlier this week.

The Ontario, Canada, native has three years of collegiate coaching experience and was part of the 2013 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Cup team following a successful college career at University of Detroit Mercy.

“I am extremely excited to be joining the Dukes’ lacrosse staff,” Boissonneault said.  “Shelley speaks so highly about the program and the players.”

For the last three years, Boissonneault served as an assistant coach at Winthrop where she focused on offensive technique and conditioning programs for the Eagles.  She was in charge of managing weekly practice hours as well as breaking down game and practice film.  She also took part in recruiting and meeting with potential players.

Boissonneault began her coaching career at the club level, operating as the head coach for the Bloomfield Hills Lacrosse Club from 2010-12 and for the Oshawa Lady Blue Knights under-15 women’s field lacrosse team in 2014.

“Emily brings such a great energy and confidence as an individual,” Klaes-Bawcombe said. “I am so excited for her to be the leader of our defensive unit.”

As a member of Team Canada, Boissonneault led her country to its first silver medal in the FIL World Cup.  She played in all seven games as a midfielder and finished the tournament with five goals, one assist, two caused turnovers and three draw controls.

“Playing in the World Cup taught me to cherish every moment and opportunity that we are given, which has helped to shape my coaching philosophies,” Boissonneault said. “At JMU, I hope to help establish the drive, composure and confidence it takes to compete at the highest level. I can’t wait to share my passion and experience with the team and fight for another championship.”

During her four-year career at Detroit, Boissonneault finished with 242 goals, 193 ground balls, 157 caused turnovers and 143 draw controls.  She etched her name in the NCAA lacrosse record books as she sits in 10th place in career caused turnovers and 14th in career goals.  Boissonneault was named Attacker of the Year of the National Lacrosse Conference in 2009 and Horizon League Women of the Year in 2012.

“Her experiences as a coach in winning the Big South this past season and her playing experience with Team Canada earning its first silver medal in the 2013 World Cup are amazing accomplishments,” Klaes-Bawcombe said.  “They will be great inspiration and motivation for our program as we work to maintain championship success and push our athletes to be the best they can be.”

Boissonneault graduated from Detroit in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Special Education.  She went on to receive her master’s degree in Sport and Fitness Administraion from Winthrop University in 2015.

She and her four younger siblings are all involved in the game.  Her sister, Jack, is a recent Virginia Tech graduate, and was a member of the Hokies’ women’s lacrosse team.

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