HAMILTON – Colgate University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach
Kathy Taylor has announced the promotion of assistant coach
Jessica (Antelmi) Becker to associate head coach.
Becker's promotion comes on the heels of Colgate's late postseason push that saw the Raiders win their last four regular season games and advance to the Patriot League tournament for the fourth consecutive year. Colgate finished 5-4 in conference play, tied for its best league record since 2016.
"Over the last three years, Jessica has showcased outstanding leadership, coaching, and mentorship," Taylor stated. "I am confident that together we can elevate the program and continue to develop a culture of competitive excellence."
Colgate finished fourth in the 2022 Patriot League standings thanks to a late four-game winning streak to propel into the postseason. All four of those wins were decided by one goal, including a 10-9 victory over Lehigh in the regular season finale, to clinch a home playoff game for the second straight season. The late-season run showcased Colgate's resilience down the stretch.
"I'm so grateful for this elevated role within our program," Becker said. "Kathy has been an incredible mentor, and truly exemplifies the commitment, service, and passion that it takes to be a successful, respected coach at the highest level. I look forward to growing into this role and continuing to chase excellence and championships with Colgate women's lacrosse."
Becker enters her fourth year with the Raiders in 2022. After the pandemic cut her first spring season short in 2020, Colgate won five games during its abbreviated 2021 season which included a thrilling 15-13 win over Boston University in the Patriot League Tournament quarterfinals.
Colgate's young squad continued to grow, improving from three conference wins to five during the first full spring season in 2022. The Raiders return 25 letterwinners, including Cara O'Reilly, who set the single-season program record for draw controls with 116 last season. Along with the strong returning group, Colgate welcomes 11 newcomers to the squad for 2022-23.
A four-year letterwinner at UAlbany, Becker was a captain of the women's lacrosse program and a two-time America East Conference Champion. Making two appearances with the Great Danes in the NCAA Tournament in 2012 and 2011, Becker was also a two-time All-Academic and All-Conference Team member, as well as an All-Region selection in 2013.
A native of Bridgeport, N.Y., Becker earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Albany in 2013, and earned her Master's in Education from Le Moyne College in 2020.
"Jessica is more than deserving of this title with all that she currently brings to the team," Taylor continued. "Colgate could not have a better associate head coach leading the future growth of this program."
