William Smith Director of Athletics
Deb Steward announced that Brighde Dougherty ’04 will return to the Heron lacrosse coaching staff for the 2011 season. The former head coach at Pomona Pitzer, Dougherty will assist US Lacrosse Hall of Fame Head Coach
Pat Genovese.
“Brighde’s experience as a head lacrosse coach, passion for HWS, and educational background in the area of leadership make her a great fit to return to and make an impact on William Smith Athletics,” Steward said.
Dougherty spent two seasons at Pomona Pitzer, leading the program from a club to a Division III varsity. In 2006, Doughtery also served as a head coach for the girls’ varsity lacrosse team at St. Rose High School in Belmar, N.J.
Dougherty is returning to her alma mater after working for Outward Bound Los Angeles. She created an intensive team leadership training program for Outward Bound. Dougherty previously served as an assistant coach for the Herons in 2005 and 2007.
A leader in the growth of youth lacrosse in New Jersey, Dougherty designed and managed the first lacrosse camp for girls along the Jersey Shore. She also established a thriving indoor high school lacrosse league which draws teams from all over Central New Jersey.
As a student-athlete, Dougherty led the Herons to a 61-9 record, two league titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and the 2001 ECAC Mid-Atlantic Championship. An IWLCA/US Lacrosse All-American, she totaled 85 goals and 26 assists for 111 career points.
Also a former William Smith tennis player, Dougherty has taught private and group tennis lessons to people of all ages.
A Sea Girt, N.J., native, Dougherty graduated from William Smith with a bachelor’s degree in media and society. In 2009, she earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Azusa Pacific University.
The Herons are looking to build on the 2010 season’s 8-7 record, welcoming back 19 of 23 team members for the 2011 campaign, which is scheduled to begin on March 5 at Nazareth.