American University Director of Athletics and Recreation Keith Gill has announced the hiring of alumna Laura Campbell '03 as the new head lacrosse coach. Campbell had spent the previous two seasons as the head coach at Marist, leading the Red Foxes to the 2010 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship and the program's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

“We are very excited to have Laura back on the American University campus. It is always wonderful to welcome an alum back, especially one as accomplished as Laura,” Gill commented. “Her success as a head coach at both the collegiate and high school levels, combined with her success as a student-athlete here at American, demonstrates her ability to lead a championship caliber program not only on the playing field but also in the classroom.”

Campbell guided Marist to a 22-13 overall record in two seasons as head coach and to the 2010 MAAC Championship. In 2009, the Red Foxes posted a 12-5 overall record, setting a school record for most wins in a season.

Campbell's student-athletes also received several accolades during her tenure, including sophomore Kelly Condon being named the 2010 MAAC Offensive Player of the Year.  In total, 11 student-athletes were named to All-MAAC Teams in her two seasons while 23 were named to the MAAC All-Academic Team.

Prior to her time at Marist, Campbell posted a record of 42-18 in four seasons as a high school head girls lacrosse coach. She began her head coaching career at Centreville High School in Centreville, Va., where she coached from 2003-05 before moving on to coach Avon High School in Avon, Conn., from 2005-07.

Campbell also served as the owner, director and head coach of the Northern Stars Lacrosse club team in Connecticut from 2005-08. In her role she was responsible for all aspects of the club's operation.

Campbell graduated from American University's School of Communications in May of 2003, where she was a four-year starter on the lacrosse team. Campbell helped the Eagles to their first Patriot League Championship in 2003, propelling American to its first NCAA Tournament appearance. American also advanced to the Patriot League Championship Game in 2002 and captured the Patriot League Regular Season Championship in 2002 and 2003. As a senior, Campbell tallied 20 points on 13 goals and seven assists as the Eagles set a program record with 11 wins.