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August 11, 2003

Ashley Flanigan was announced today as the new head women's lacrosse coach at American University.

WASHINGTON — Ashley Flanigan, a 2001 graduate of American University, was named head coach today of the AU women’s lacrosse program. Flanigan was an assistant coach at American University in 2003 as the squad made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament and replaces her former coach, Maureen Dupcak, who resigned in July.

“I am extremely excited to have Ashley as our new head coach,” Associate Athletic Director Athena Argyropoulos said. “I had the opportunity to witness her voracity as a member of both our women’s lacrosse and soccer teams as an undergraduate, and I know this quality in her transcends to her coaching ability. As a player her passion for the game was contagious, and she inspired those around her to excel. I believe she will exude these same qualities as the leader of this program.”

A two-sport star in women’s lacrosse and soccer at American, Flanigan was co-captain of both squads. She was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association First Team in 2000 and Second Team in 2001 while leading the team in scoring both seasons. Flanigan was also named to the CAA All-Tournament Team in 2000. In 2001, she was selected to play in the North-South game, a national all-star game for seniors.

“I am very excited for this opportunity at my alma mater,” Flanigan said. “I have been a part of this program for six years: first as a player, next as a volunteer assistant and then as an assistant coach. I have a strong loyalty and passion for AU in both women’s lacrosse and the university as a whole. My goals for the team include the continued success of the program and the development of a strong tradition.”

Flanigan is one of only four players in school history with 100 goals and 100 points in lacrosse. She is also second all-time in career assists at AU and holds the career record for free position shots. Flanigan was invited to the U.S. Women’s National Team lacrosse tryouts in 2000. She also played for the Glenelg Lacrosse Club in Australia in 2002. Flanigan was named a three-time MVP in premier games as a midfielder and her South Australian squad won the National Championship.

American University, which fields a 19-sport NCAA Division I athletics program featuring 10 women’s sports and nine for men, recently completed its second year of membership in the Patriot League. Since joining the Patriot League, the University has captured league championships in men’s cross country, women’s cross country, women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s tennis, women’s tennis and women’s volleyball, and a regular-season title in men’s basketball.

Chartered by an Act of Congress in 1893, American University features students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 160 nations worldwide.