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Benedictine College

Atchison, KS 66002
Kansas Midwest
Private Small Developing team
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Clare Hanson

Clare Hanson was named the Benedictine College Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach in November 2021. In her first year as Head Coach, she led the Ravens to an NAIA National Championship. This historic season was the Program's first National Championship and the first for the college in 55 years. She previously served as Assistant and Graduate Assistant Coach from 2019-2021.


Hanson was a member of the Benedictine College inaugural varsity team. As a player, she helped guide the program to three conference regular-season titles as well as two conference tournament championships, resulting in automatic bids to the NAIA National Invitational Tournament.


As a player for the Ravens, Hanson was a First-Team All-Conference midfielder and two-time Daktronics Scholar-Athlete. She was elected captain in her junior and senior seasons, helping build the foundation for the women’s lacrosse program. Hanson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and Social Science from Benedictine College in 2018 and a Master of Business Administration in 2021.


She began her coaching career while working as a teacher in the Kansas City area.


Hanson resides in Atchison, KS.

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MacKenzie Petersen

Graduate Assistant

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Mark Crisco

Benedictine College Athletic Director Charlie Gartenmayer has announced the hiring of Mark Crisco as the next head coach for the Raven Men's Lacrosse program.


"We are excited to welcome Mark and his family to Benedictine," Gartenmayer said. "He brings a strong lacrosse background with him with experience as both a head coach, assistant coach, and player. We believe he has what it takes to continue to build our men's lacrosse program into a competitive and respected program in the NAIA."


Coach Crisco comes to Benedictine from NCAA Div. III William Peace University, where he served as the head coach since November of 2022. In his first season at William Peace, the Pacers earned five USA South Academic All-Conference selections and one all-conference selection. Individually, William Peace finished their season with players ranked in the top five in the USA South in goals per game, assists per game, and points per game.


"This transition marks a pivotal moment in my walk with God, and I am deeply grateful to Claude Shields and William Peace University and those who have supported me along the way," Coach Crisco said. "To Charlie Gartenmayer, President Stephen D. Minnis, and Benedictine College who believed in my vision and entrusted me with this opportunity, thank you for your confidence and support. To my family, whose unwavering encouragement has been my rock, and to my mentors who have guided and inspired me, your wisdom has shaped my path immeasurably.


"I look forward to embracing this new challenge with enthusiasm and dedication, carrying forward the values instilled in me by each of you. Together, we will strive to make a meaningful impact and achieve great things."


Coach Crisco earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Stevenson University where he was a member of the men's lacrosse program. He began his playing career at C.W. Post University where he helped the program to a NCAA Div. II National Championship in 2009.


"What initially intrigued me about the opening for men's lacrosse head coach at Benedictine was the college's commitment to fostering a well-rounded student-athlete experience, and the success they've seen thus far," Coach Crisco said. "Benedictine's emphasis on academic excellence alongside athletic achievement resonated with me because I believe in the importance of both aspects in a student's development. Additionally, Benedictine's strong sense of community and support for its athletic programs stood out as factors that would provide a conducive environment for both personal and team growth. These elements combined made Benedictine a compelling opportunity for me to contribute my coaching expertise while also supporting the holistic development of student-athletes."


Prior to William Peace, Coach Crisco was an assistant coach for Shenandoah University before becoming an assistant coach at Guilford College where he was promoted to head coach in 2018 serving in that role until 2020.


"Upon visiting Benedictine, several aspects enriched my initial perception of the College," Coach Crisco said. "First and foremost, interacting with the staff during my visit reinforced the strong sense of community that I had perceived from afar. The warmth and genuine support I observed among the members of the Benedictine community assured me that this was a place where both personal and professional relationships thrive."


According to Coach Crisco, he will look to develop his program under the following elements – a commitment to excellence, player development, team unity and culture, a strategic approach, community engagement, competitive success, and continuous improvement.


"Overall, players can expect a challenging yet rewarding experience that prepares them not only for success in lacrosse but also for life beyond the field," Coach Crisco said.

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