Lee University

Lee University Athletics
PO Box 3450 - 1120 North Ocoee St Cleveland, TN 37320

Division 2 Tennessee Southeast

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Coaches

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Derrel Martin

The Lee University Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Derrel Martin as the new women's lacrosse head coach. Martin becomes the second head coach in the young history of the program.

Martin previously served as head coach of the women's lacrosse team at Tennessee Wesleyan University where he led the Bulldogs to an 11-5 record with a roster that included 15 freshmen and just six returners. His ladies finished the year ranked No. 9 nationally in the NAIA and placed second in the Appalachian Athletic Conference regular season standings.

"We are very pleased to welcome Derrel to our lineup of superb head coaches," said Lee University President Dr. Paul Conn. "We are committed to giving him and the young women on our lacrosse team the resources they need to have a terrific college experience and an outstanding lacrosse team"

"There is such an energy and passion on this campus and around the lacrosse program in particular," said Martin. "It's an exciting time for the sport in general in this area of the country and I'm looking forward to getting to know our players and building this program."

When asked about the style of play fans can expect from coach Martin and the Lady Flames moving forward he noted, "I like to get out and attack offensively when the numbers are right for us in the midfield. While we will look to play at a fast pace we will certainly look to solidify our defense as a foundation our team."

"I am excited about the future of Lee Lacrosse with Coach Martin at the helm. He brings a wealth of experience and stability to a young program and I can see it growing and becoming competitive at the national level in the near future," said Lee Athletic Director Larry Carpenter. "He possesses a quiet confidence and has a thorough knowledge of the game. He is a man of integrity who understands our mission and will relate well to our athletes."

Martin received his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State in 1986. He served in law enforcement for 31 years while coaching lacrosse at Cookeville High School (2007-2014) prior to taking over at TWU.

Martin will inherit a Lady Flames squad that finished their second year of play with a 9-9 record and a berth in the GSC Tournament. Becca Broadwick was named the GSC Freshman of the Year while fellow freshman Kaylyn Dillion earned a spot on the All-GSC team.

Carpenter and Vice President Cole Strong said that the university anticipates announcing, within the next week, the appointment of an assistant coach who will work with Martin and graduate assistant Winnie Caetta.

The Search Committee was comprised of, Carpenter (Director of Athletics, Chair), Strong (Vice President for Operations), Andrea Hudson (Assistant Director of Athletics), Jessica McIntyre (Director of Internal Affairs) and Pam Womack (Senior Lecturer in Physical Education).

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Winnie Caetta

Winnie Caetta rejoins the Lee women's lacrosse program for her third season as the graduate assistant after playing for 3 1/2 years at Central Connecticut State University.

After her playing career Caetta coached at Rocky Hill High School in Connecticut and was a club coach for the T3 Elite team in New Jersey.

Caetta joined with head coach Addie Wadley to start up the lacrosse program at Lee in 2016. "I'm really excited to see our game grow and spread to this area of the country. It is fun to see people learn and discover lacrosse and see them play the game the way it's suppose to be played," Caetta said.

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Megan Smith

The Lee University women's lacrosse coaching staff has been finalized as Megan Smith will join head coach Derrel Martin's staff as the assistant coach.

Smith was a standout player for Limestone College from 2011-15. She was a captain her senior year and helped lead the Saints to four straight Conference Carolinas Regular Season titles, three league tournament titles, an appearance in the NCAA D2 Quarterfinals (2013 and 2015) and a berth in the national championship match in 2013.

"We are pleased to announce the addition of an assistant women's lacrosse coach to our program as we continue to grow the sport here at Lee and in the surrounding communities. We are excited that Megan is joining us to fill this new role," said Lee's Vice President for Operations, Cole Strong. "She will be an asset to head coach Derrel Martin as they work together to provide an outstanding experience for the young women on our team."

After graduating from Limestone in 2015 she served on staff as an assistant coach working with the goalies while overseeing aspects of recruiting and player development. Smith then took over the Converse College women's lacrosse program for one season before joining the staff of Chowan University as an assistant coach last season.

"I am excited to welcome Megan to our staff as an assistant coach. She has a vast recruiting base and is one of the most positive people I've ever met. She and Coach Martin will complement each other well," said Lee Athletic Director Larry Carpenter.

When asked about the addition of Smith to his staff Martin was quick to note, "Coach Smith comes from a renowned lacrosse program at Limestone College. She enhanced her coaching experience while at Chowan University and she will be a great asset to the coaching team."