IMMACULATA, Pa.- Immaculata University Director of Athletics and Recreation,
Paul Murphy, announced on Tuesday morning the hiring of
Nicole Barretta as the head women's lacrosse coach for the upcoming 2021 season and the 11
th coach in program history. Barretta steps into the role after spending last season as the Assistant Coach at Stockton University in Galloway, New Jersey, on the heels of a successful playing career that saw her star at nearby Temple University and perennial-power Stony Brook.
"I could not be more thrilled to be the new Immaculata University women's lacrosse head coach and to grow and build this program," began Barretta. "I would like to thank Athletic Director,
Paul Murphy, and the Immaculata athletic department for its belief in me during the selection process. The Athletic Department's drive and passion for success was something that really drew me to the school. I cannot wait to hit the ground running this fall," concluded Barretta.
During her playing career, Barretta was a three-time Big East All-Academic team selection and a multi-time Big East Weekly Award recipient earning Rookie and Attacker of the Week honors throughout her career at Temple. At the conclusion of her time as an Owl, Barretta had scored 56 goals and added 17 assists for a total of 73 points over the course of her 46 career games with her best season coming as a junior when she scored 21 goals and added six assists for 27 points on the year. At Stony Brook, Barretta appeared in 17 games, making six starts as she tallied 26 goals, two assists, 18 ground balls, and eight caused turnovers to help lead the Seawolves to their seventh consecutive America East Conference Championship. Barretta also scored the
OT game-winner in the NCAA Tournament vs James Madison before falling to eventual National Champion, Maryland in the Second Round of the Tournament. As the Assistant Coach at Stockton, Barretta assisted in leading the program in the rigorous NJAC Conference as she played a role in creating practice plans, reviewing game film, and recruiting.
"We are extremely excited to have Nicole join the department as the newest member of our athletics family," stated Director of Athletics and Recreation
Paul Murphy. "She comes with a tremendous pedigree as a player, having been a scholarship lacrosse player at both Temple University and then at Stony Brook where she completed her Master's Degree. Nicole has not only experienced playing at the Division I level but also played in the NCAA National Championship tournament. Her playing experience and access to strong coaching mentors should serve our student-athletes well as she transitions to the head coaching role after serving as an assistant at Richard Stockton. We are ecstatic to welcome Nicole and are excited for her bright future as the Head Coach of the Mighty Macs," explained Murphy.
Barretta earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Recreation Management from Temple in May 2018 before receiving her Master's in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook in December 2019.
As always, be sure to follow Immaculata Athletics on social media (@IUMightymacs) all season long for all the latest news, scores, and highlights of your favorite Immaculata teams.
