New Paltz, NY-- The State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse team is bringing in Danielle Keenan as its new assistant coach. After a record-breaking 2019 season for the Hawks, Keenan is looking to use her experience as a former student-athlete to help SUNY New Paltz claim the programs first ever conference title.
 
Keenan graduated from Iona College in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education, while also starring on the women's lacrosse team throughout all four of her years. During her senior season, she was named team captain and also enjoyed a career-high eight goals in the 17 games played. Since finishing her playing career with the Gaels last spring, Keenan is excited to return to the field as a coach.

"I am very excited to start my time at New Paltz as a coach." said Keenan. "Lacrosse has been a very important part of my life for the past 10 years and I can't wait to continue my involvement with the sport as a coach."
 
As a former collegiate athlete, Keenan understands the difficulty of balancing academics and playing a sport. Her senior season she was named to the All-MAAC Academic team, while also filling the responsibilities of team captain. Keenan is well equipped to help the team and is determined to not only motivate her players on the field, but also in the classroom.

"Since I was in the shoes of the current student-athletes not long ago, I will be able to relate to the team on many levels." Keenan said. "Not only will I be able to guide the team on the lacrosse field, but I will also be able to use my experience handling both lacrosse and the academics to help the team academically."
 
After making the playoffs last season for the first time in program history, the Hawks are looking to use Keenan's new perspective to help them continue their success. As a former midfielder, Keenan understands both the defensive and offensive strategies, which will help her become an adaptive coach.

SUNY New Paltz coach Keith Detelj is confident Keenan will make a big impact on the program and the players.

"She has a great team outlook towards the game which will strengthen and add to our program." said Detelj. "Her knowledge of both sides of the ball and her competitive mentality to make a difference in everything she does provides tons of opportunity for our players to learn, model and develop from her guidance."
 
Keenan also took notice of the accomplishments SUNY New Paltz had in its record-breaking season. She is eager to bring in her "knowledge and positivity" to the program this season.

"I'm hoping that I can use all of my experience from playing four years at the Division I level to help lead the team into an even more successful 2019-2020 season." she said.

The Hawks begin their 2020 season with a home opener Feb. 29 against Utica College.

For everything #NPHawks be sure to follow us on Twitter at @nphawks, Instagram and Facebook at @newpaltzhawks, and subscribe to our Youtube channel, New Paltz Hawks.