Philadelphia University Names Jenn Devinney Women's Lacrosse Coach

Philadelphia University Director of Athletics Tom Shirley has announced the hiring of Jenn Devinney as Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, effective immediately.  Devinney, a former player at Temple University, succeeds Christy Malone, who last week took the reins of the women's lacrosse program at NCAA Division I St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, N.Y.

"While we are sad to see Christy depart, we are also excited that she is able to continue her career at the Division I level, and in a section of the country that is considered a lacrosse hotbed.  In addition, we are very pleased to have Jenn take over our women's lacrosse program," said Shirley of the regime change.  "Jenn is a very dynamic and knowledgeable coach and I am confident that she can continue the success that we have had with Coach Malone over the past four seasons," added Shirley.  "I don't foresee any gaps in production as the team continues to progress and evolve into what we think will be one of the top NCAA Division II programs in the nation."

A three-year player at Temple, Devinney was part of an Owls team that reached the Atlantic 10 Tournament Final in 2000.  She graduated from Temple in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management.  Upon receiving her degree, Devinney remained active in the Philadelphia-area lacrosse community, first as an assistant coach with the Radnor High School women's team from 2002-2003, and also conducting field player and goaltender clinics and camps throughout the region.  This experience includes stints at Friends' Central School-where Devinney assisted with a two-day international clinic for girls from Tokyo, Japan-as well as several guest-coaching appearances with Christy Malone's Lady Rams at Philadelphia University, making her no stranger to the program she now inherits.

As high-school players at Archbishop Prendergast, Devinney and Malone were teammates, and thus share similar coaching philosophies, which should result in a smooth transition for the program.  "I'm really excited to take over the Philadelphia University women's lacrosse program, and eager to start preparations for the spring season," said Devinney, who added, "I'm ecstatic about the opportunity to lead a talented group of girls to the next level."  Philadelphia University earned three ECAC postseason berths under Malone, which culminated last season in the Lady Rams capturing the 2007 ECAC Division II Championship (shown above).  "Hopefully, we can forge ahead with the momentum from last spring's ECAC Tournament and have an even more successful regular season which should lead to an NCAA Division II Tournament bid."

Away from the lacrosse pitch, Devinney is the Guest Service Coordinator for Cornucopia Catering Inc. at the law firm of Wolf, Block, Schoor and Solis-Cohen in Philadelphia.  Her duties there involve daily management of the day-to-day catering operations.  She currently resides in Upper Darby, Pa.