New Paltz Sports Information Department
NEW PALTZ, NY – After serving the last two seasons as interim head coach for the State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse program, Keith Detelj was promoted to head coach status entering the 2018-19 season.
"I think through the process what impressed me most about Keith was his incredible attention to detail, really breaking down the game and making it understandable for our students," said SUNY New Paltz Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Stuart Robinson. "Keith is such a passionate, detailed oriented coach that I think it is a real benefit to our students to have somebody that is so invested in the sport that they love. I look forward to seeing what he can do to increase their knowledge, but also to bring out the successes that are definitely coming."
The Hawks finished 5-9 in each of Detelj's first two years at the helm, which was the first time in program history the team won five or more games in back-to-back seasons. His win percentage ranks second all-time in program history.
"I want to thank President Christian, Stuart Robinson, and the many others that had a hand in supporting the vision of this program and allowing me to have this opportunity; I am grateful," said Detelj.
During Detelj's tenure, two student-athletes collected All-SUNYAC honors and one earned the SUNY Chancellor's Award. In 2018, the women's lacrosse team won the New Paltz Prize Award for the highest team grade-point average at the conclusion of each semester. Senior Colleen Jones was named as a Donald Bishko Award honoree after earning a perfect 4.0 GPA last semester, and freshmen Amy Hofer and Tara Bovich each set new milestones on the field, with each tallying eight goals apiece in a contest – a single-game program record.
Detelj, who is a Marist College alum, lettering in both lacrosse and soccer for the Red Foxes, is looking forward to continue the growth and development of the Hawks women's lacrosse program both on the field and off.
"I am extremely excited to continue here seeing the past season and the Hudson Valley area has continuously created great memories and experiences for myself," Detelj said. "The players have injected a passion and determination that I am excited to see drive us to surpass our highest expectations."
Looking ahead to the 2018-19 season, the Hawks are primed to improve upon their 5-9 mark and 1-7 record in conference play. They return three of their top-4 point leaders, including their two top scorers in Bovich and Hofer, along with their starting defense and their face-off leader, freshman Keydy Espinoza.