Valerie Lawrence

College:
Maryland '03
Years at American:
1st Year

 Position:
Assistant Coach

In her first year as head coach Michael Brady's assistant coach, Valerie Lawrence brings a resume filled with college playing and coaching experience. Lawrence was a local standout in high school and went on to play and coach for the nationally-ranked University of Maryland . She was a four-year starter at midfield and defense for the Terrapins, which were ranked as high as No. 4 in the region. Lawrence graduated in 2003 with a B.A. in English, but continued to work with the team as an assistant coach through 2004. Working with the athletes in practice preparation and fitness work as well as organizing official visits were only part of her tasks. She also was responsible for game day operations, summer camp coaching in addition to community work and game organization. From there Lawrence went to Duquesne University from 2004-06, studying for her Masters and working as the team's graduate assistant. She coached tactics and prepared the team's fitness program, including implementing a year-round workout schedule. Her responsibilities outside of the practice field extended to recruiting, player evaluation and scouting as well as fundraising, arranging team travel and keeping the team's compliance records. As a result, the team had its first winning record and qualified for its first Atlantic-10 Tournament in 11 years. Lawrence graduated in the spring of 2006 with her Masters in Liberal Studies. At nearby Good Counsel high school, she led her team to a No. 1 ranking with 45 goals and 18 assists in her senior year. For her career she scored 85 goals and had 42 assists while being named to The Washington Post's All-Met first team three times, including as the Player of the Year in 1998. "I am delighted that Val has joined our program and I am really excited for her to start working with the team," Brady said. "She has a proven record in terms of her work ethic, determination and ability to motivate those around her. She has the temperament and desire to be a great coach and her involvement with all aspects of the program will give her the opportunity to grow."