Laura Bernotas was hired as a Colgate women's lacrosse assistant coach in August of 2017.
“I am grateful to have Laura joining our staff,” women's lacrosse head coach Heather Young said. “She brings years of coaching experience with her at all levels. She is going to be a great addition to our Raider Family and we are lucky to have her at Colgate.”
Bernotas brings over 11 years of lacrosse playing and coaching women’s lacrosse at the collegiate level, most recently serving as an assistant coach for two years at Michigan.
“I am extremely grateful to Coach Heather for this wonderful opportunity to join the Colgate family,” Bernotas said. “This is an incredible environment with an amazing staff, and I am eager to get started working with both Heather and Katie [Rhodes] in continuing to build the program into an elite contender.”
Michigan qualified for the Big Ten Tournament in her first season on staff in 2016 before eventually falling to No. 15 Northwestern. During her tenure at Michigan, Bernotas created and conducted original offensive systems as well as working on individual skill development for field players and goalkeepers.
Prior to Michigan, Bernotas was an assistant coach at Grand Valley State University for three seasons. Bernotas helped develop GVSU into a competitive Division II program, climbing as high as No. 13 in the nation, as the offensive coordinator and goalie coach.
Bernotas also coached at her alma mater, Division II East Stroudsburg, and also served as an assistant coach for the inaugural season of women’s lacrosse at the College of St. Elizabeth.
Bernotas is a member of the Alliance of Women Coaches, Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coach’s Association and US Lacrosse. She is also a National Academy of Sport Science trained personal trainer and National Academy of Speed and Explosion trained speed and explosion specialist.
Bernotas graduated from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and received her Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania in 2012.
