Meet Amber! Amber, a college lacrosse coach from Brick, New Jersey, has dedicated her life to the sport she loves while inspiring and developing players along the way.
Growing up in Brick, New Jersey, Amber was a talented multi-sport athlete, competing in field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and track and field. At Brick Memorial High School, she focused on field hockey and lacrosse. Encouraged by her high school field hockey coach to try lacrosse, Amber quickly discovered her passion for the sport. She excelled as a goalie, setting the school record for single-season saves and helping her team secure the school’s only A-South Championship. She knew that she wanted to continue playing lacrosse, but due to family finances, she was unable to play on any travel or college showcase teams. She had to navigate the recruiting process by herself and was determined to continue to play lacrosse!
Amber persevered and continued her lacrosse journey at Georgian Court University, where she majored in Mathematics and Secondary Education with a Coaching Minor. As the goalie for the GCU Lions, she played a key role in their success, earning multiple accolades, including being a 3-time CACC Champion, 2017 CACC MVP, 3-time All-Conference player, and a selection for the IWLCA Division II Senior All-Star Game.
After college, Amber transitioned into coaching, bringing her expertise and passion to various teams. She began as a head and goalie coach for Jersey Shore Select, a local travel team, before coaching at Lincoln Memorial University, East Stroudsburg University, and currently Pace University. As a graduate assistant at East Stroudsburg (2020-2022), Amber helped lead the team to multiple NCAA Division II National Championship appearances, the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2022 as Runners-Up and in 2021 as National Semifinalists. ESU won back-to-back Atlantic Regional titles while she was on the coaching staff, and were the 2022 PSAC Conference Champions. She also helped develop eight All-Americans, including mentoring a Second Team All-American goalie.
At Lincoln Memorial, Amber contributed to the program’s most successful season in 2023, focusing on defensive strategy and goalie training. Now at Pace University, Amber serves as an assistant coach, where her guidance helped the team win the NorthEast-10 Championship, with her defensive strategies and goalie coaching playing a pivotal role! Additionally, she coaches a local recreational team, Armonk Lacrosse Club, and the Compass Lacrosse travel team in Westchester, NY.
Beyond coaching, Amber is the proud owner of Pathway Lacrosse, where she will host lacrosse camps, clinics, and college recruiting showcases. The first event will be in 2025! She stays active by working out daily, walking, and participating in the ‘75 Hard’ program multiple times a year. Her dedication to fitness has led her to lose over 100 pounds, showcasing her determination and resilience.
Amber’s passion for lacrosse and coaching continues to shape the lives of her players, helping them develop their skills and reach their potential. Read more about Amber’s inspiring journey in lacrosse and coaching!
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
I played soccer, field hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and track and field.
Q: Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?
Nope! I started out playing field hockey and my coach, Courtney Richardson, urged me to try out for lacrosse in high school because she was my field hockey coach, as well. I did and now it is my life. I love her and owe so much to her! She changed my life and had such a big impact on me. She is why I coach today.
Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?
Mia Hamm. I loved her as a kid and wanted to be a pro soccer player when i was very young.
Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?
Helping coach a team to back to back final four appearances and competing on the largest stage. My favorite memory would probably be winning our first Atlantic Regional Championship in 2021 as the underdogs against West Chester University. That win sent ESU to the final four, which was my first time coaching at that stage. It was an awesome experience!
Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?
Sports made me who I am today. I couldn’t give it up when college ended so I found my way back in. It’s all about the relationships, memories made and lessons you learn – the wins come along with it!
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?
Try a bunch of sports to see what you like. Sports can help you find yourself in your own body and give you confidence in yourself that may be sometimes hard to find as a girl growing up.
Coach Rachel 