The 10th-ranked Loyola University Maryland women's lacrosse team will have two new faces on the sideline for the 2022 season, as Alyssa Russell and Lauren Benner have joined the program as the Director of Operations and Volunteer Assistant Coach, respectively.
 
"I am excited for the addition of both Alyssa and Lauren to our program this year," head coach Jen Adams said. "They have both made an instant impact and fit right in with our team culture and style of lacrosse. We are excited for the different perspectives and the knowledge that they will bring throughout the season."
 
Russell has been with the program since October. A native of Towson, Md., Russell went to Loch Raven High School before attending Stevenson University, where she played both lacrosse and field hockey for the Mustangs. After graduating in 2014 with a degree in design and visual communications, Russell has been a personal trainer, photographer and graphic designer.
 
Benner, a native of Annapolis, Md., comes to the Greyhounds with over 10 years of coaching experience. Most recently a high school coach and administrator in Colorado, Benner also served as an assistant coach at Louisville and the University of Denver. A 2010 graduate of the University of Virginia, Benner – a goalkeeper – helped the Cavaliers to two Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, four-straight NCAA Tournament appearances and one final four before playing her fifth year at Denver.
 
Russell will mainly handle the team's off-field responsibilities, such as travel, scheduling and meals, while Benner will focus on goalkeeper development and providing all-around support to field players.
 
The Greyhounds will open their season on Saturday at No. 20 Johns Hopkins. The game will be the first of a Loyola-Johns Hopkins lacrosse doubleheader, as the women will play at 11 a.m., followed by the men at 2 p.m.