Marist University Athletics

 

Biography

The winningest head women’s lacrosse coach in Marist history, Jessica Wilkinson (formerly O'Brien) has completed nine seasons with the program and has an overall record of 78-80, including 40-26 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play. She has guided the Red Foxes to two wins in their first two MAAC Championship First Round games and led them to an appearance in the MAAC Championship semifinals for the last seven years. After the 2017 season she had her first two players compete in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches’ Association Senior All-Star Game in Abigail Witczak and Natalie Bonaroti. In 2019, Hailey Wagner became the third to represent Marist in the North-South All-Star Game.

The 2013, 2014 and 2018 MAAC Coach of the Year, Wilkinson led Marist to its best season ever in 2014 when it won the MAAC regular season championship and went 14-4 overall. 
 

At Marist | Head Coach 2010-Present

• During Wilkinson's tenure, four Red Foxes were selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team: Samantha Mehalick (2021), Hailey Wagner (2019), Lexi Brannigan (2015), and Erin Betsch (2011). Betsch and Wagner were a Second Team and Third Team All-American in 2011 and 2019, respectively.
• In 2021, four Red Foxes earned All-MAAC accolades under Wilkinson's guidance: Samantha Mehalick and Romy Villemure (First Team), Delaney Galvin (Second Team), and Bella D'Gracia (All-Rookie).
• Had two players rank at the top of the NCAA in stats in 2019. Hailey Wagner led the nation in draw controls per game (12.44) and Samantha Mehalick lead the nation in free position goals per game (2.06). Wagner also broke the NCAA record for most draw controls in a season with 224.
• After that 2019 season, Wagner was named MAAC Student-Athlete of the Year and was an NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. She was also selected for the IWLCA Northeast Second Team.
• Guided Marist to the number 1 seed in the conference championship and a share of the MAAC regular season championship in 2018. Led Marist to 23rd in the nation in free position percentage (.465) and 24th in scoring defense. 
• Had two athletes on each team among the All-MAAC selections in 2017, including the conference’s first ever Goalkeeper of the Year in Abigail Witczak.
• Led Marist to 20th in the nation in assists per game (5.53) and 29th in points per game (16.35) in 2016.
• Helped the Red Foxes advance to the MAAC Championship semifinals with a double overtime victory at arch rival Siena in Marist’s first appearance in the first round postseason game in 2015.
• Led the Red Foxes to a single-season record 14 victories and the longest winning streak in program history (10 games) in 2014. Marist won the MAAC regular season conference title and competed as the no. 1 seed in the conference championships.
• Put Marist atop the conference with 15 MAAC All-Academic Team selections in 2014.
• Guided Marist to the MAAC Championship game in 2013.    

MAAC Major Awards

 

• 2018: Delaney Galvin - Goalkeeper of the Year
• 2017: Abigail Witczak – Goalkeeper of the Year
• 2016: Allison Gionta – Offensive Player of the Year
• 2014: Abigail Witczak – Rookie of the Year

ECAC All-Stars

• 2019: Hailey Wagner - First Team
• 2017: Abigail Witczak – Second Team
• 2016: Allison Gionta – Second Team

IWCLCA All-Stars

• 2019: Hailey Wagner
• 2017: Natalie Bonaroti, Abigail Witczak

Academic Success

• 117 named to MAAC All-Academic Team in head coaching career
• 1 CoSIDA Academic All-American: Erin Betsch (2011)
• 3 CoSIDA Academic All-District selections: Hailey Wagner (2019), Lexi Brannigan (2015) and Erin Betsch (2011)
• 3 NCAA Woman of the Year nominees: Hailey Wagner (2019), Allison Gionta (2016), and Jamie Romano (2014)
• IWLCA Academic Squad for seven straight years (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-2018)

At Wagner | Assistant Coach 2009-10

• Worked primarily with the Seahawks’ defensive and goaltending units while also serving as the program’s recruiting coordinator.
• Involved in organizing practices, travel, film exchange, and fundraising while also monitoring the team’s academic progress.
• Led Wagner to IWLCA Merit Squad recognition in 2009 and 2010.
• Earned an M.B.A. in Management in 2010.

At Marist | Student-Athlete 2005-08

• Twice rebounded from season-ending injuries to score 42 goals in 51 career games. Also tallied 86 ground balls, 51 caused turnovers and 47 draw controls in her career.
• As a senior, was a member of Marist’s first MAAC Championship team. She scored a career-high 20 goals and also set a career high with 22 caused turnovers while playing in all 19 games.
• Earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications-Advertising with a minor in studio art from Marist in 2008.

Career Records

Year	Overall	MAAC	Result
2021	3-5	2-4	8th in MAAC, MAAC Quarterfinals
2020	2-4	N/A	N/A (Season Canceled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic)
2019	8-10	4-4	5th in MAAC
2018	10-7	6-2	MAAC Regular Season Co-Champs
2017	10-9	5-3	3rd in MAAC
2016	9-8	6-2	2nd in MAAC
2015	8-9	3-5	5th in MAAC
2014	14-4	7-1	MAAC Regular Season Champs
2013	9-10	4-2	3rd in MAAC
2012	4-13	3-3	5th in MAAC
2011	6-10	2-4	5th in MAAC
Total	83-89 (.482)	42-30 (.583)