Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University Athletics
12180 Park Ave S Tacoma, WA 98447

Division 3 Washington Northwest

Private Small Developing team

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Coaches

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Melanie Rizzotti

Melanie Rizzotti joined the Lute coaching staff in June of 2023 as the first ever head coach of the varsity women's lacrosse program.

"We're excited to welcome Melanie into the Lute community as our first-ever varsity head coach. You couldn't ask for a better leader to navigate the women's lacrosse program's transition to a varsity sport and under her direction, I can't wait to see the team make their varsity debut in spring of 2025," said Athletic Director Mike Snyder.

"Melanie checked all the boxes we were looking for in a head coach. She has previous head coaching experience and understands the Division III philosophy as a former student-athlete at Whittier. An added bonus is her familiarity with the Pacific Northwest, having grown up in western Washington."

Rizzotti comes to Luteville after spending the previous two seasons at Division II University of Charleston. The Mukilteo, Washington native began her tenure with the Golden Eagles as a. graduate assistant in 2022 before being elevated to head coach for the 2023 season.

Charleston tied a school record for wins in Rizzotti’s first season at the helm, winning eight games while setting a school record for conference wins after closing the Mountain East Conference slate with a 7-3 mark. Rizzotti’s Golden Eagles were edged in the MEC Tournament by eventual champion Notre Dame College.

“I would like to thank Mike Snyder and the hiring committee for the opportunity to join the PLU community and lead the first ever varsity Women’s Lacrosse program,” said Rizzotti.

“I’m so excited for the opportunity to continue to grow and elevate the game in my home state!”

Prior to Charleston, Rizzotti served as head junior varsity coach at Seattle Preparatory School for three seasons.

As a student-athlete, Rizzotti was named to the All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Team while playing at Division III Whittier College. A midfielder for the Poets, Rizzotti played in 61 games over her four year career, scoring 23 goals with seven assists and 79 ground balls.

Rizzotti graduated from Whittier College with a degree in sociology while earning a master’s in business administration from Charleston.

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Will Kelly

Will Kelly joined the PLU women's lacrosse coaching staff in the summer of 2024 as an assistant coach leading up the Lutes' first ever season.

"I'm so excited to have Will join our coaching staff. Will's knowledge and enthusiasm is evident and I believe his extensive lacrosse background will greatly aid us in laying the foundation of a successful program!" said Rizzotti.

Kelly joins the PLU staff after serving as a graduate assistant at Division III Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to his time at Goucher, Kelly has experience as an intern with Crabs Lacrosse Club, was a coach for National ID Camp and FCA Maryland, and was the Director of Lacrosse Operations at Goucher.

"I'm super excited to be joining Luteville for the inaugural women's lacrosse season! I can't wait to help build this program!" said Kelly.

Coaching is in Kelly's blood with his father, Brian, serving as an assistant coach at Division I Johns Hopkins University while also having coaching stops at Goucher and the Washington Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse.

Kelly played college lacrosse at Goucher, earning a Bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in athletic leadership and administration from the Baltimore-based institution.