Oct. 28, 1999

The Canadian Lacrosse Association announced today the selection of American Tracy Coyne as the 2001 World Cup Team coach. Currently the head coach at the University of Notre Dame, Coyne, 39, will maintain her residence in Indiana, while preparing Canada’s national team for the World Cup in England.

“I am excited and honored to be selected as the Canadian coach for the 2001 World Cup,” said Coyne. “I look forward to the challenge of building a strong national team and a team that will be a World Cup contender in 2001. I take immense pride in coaching in the country where lacrosse is the national summer sport.”

“I couldn’t be more pleased, both for Tracy and the Canadian Lacrosse Association,” said Mike Wadsworth, Notre Dame’s Athletic Director and a former Toronto Argonaut. “I am confident that Tracy will bring to Canada the same winning attitude that is characteristic of the team she fields at Notre Dame.”

In the short span of three years, under the tutelage of Coyne, Notre Dame has made significant strides in establishing itself as a national power. Her team boasts three consecutive winning seasons, posting the nation’s fourth best scoring offense last year. Already her players at Notre Dame have received all-region and Academic All-America honors, as well as senior all-star game and national team participation.

“We are extremely pleased to have Tracy with her impressive coaching credentials lead our team into the World Cup,” said Bill Hutton, CLA President. “Her involvement as an assistant coach and selector with the US squad will be a valuable asset to our national team program.”

Canada’s record at the Senior World Cup includes a bronze medal performance in 1982, followed by four successive fourth place finishes. In addition, Canada’s under-19 team won a bronze medal at the Junior World Cup this year and will provide a pool of young talented players for the 2001 team.

Coyne’s first responsibilities will be to confirm her coaching staff and to formalize the training and selection processes and dates.