IWLCA Announces 2025 Outstanding Assistant Coaches

The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Assistant Coach Award, recognizing exceptional assistant coaches across all three NCAA divisions. Gabby Capuzzi Solomon of the United States Naval Academy (Division I), Jordan Anderson of Slippery Rock University (Division II), and Nicky Clauter of York College of Pennsylvania (Division III) will be honored for their significant contributions to their programs. These coaches have demonstrated outstanding dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship, making a distinct impact on the success of their teams. They will be formally recognized at the Awards Luncheon on November 19 during the 2025 IWLCA Convention.

Navy Head Coach Cindy Timchal expressed high praises on behalf of Gabby’s nomination, “Gabby has had an extraordinary impact on our program, both on and off the field. Her leadership style combines passion, creativity, and accountability, and she consistently sets a standard of excellence for our student-athletes.” Timchal went on to add, “Gabby connects deeply with players, fostering confidence and resilience. She is an energizing presence in practice, balancing high expectations with positive reinforcement. Her ability to build relationships has been essential in shaping a cohesive and competitive team culture.”

Described by Associate Head Coach Brooke Shriver as “the heart and soul of our staff,” Gabby’s impact spans every aspect of the team’s operations. She manages defense and draw units for one of the largest NCAA programs while coordinating team communications, academic and military liaisons, and logistical operations for games and schedules. Beyond the field, she strengthens team culture through mentoring, hosting players, supporting community service initiatives, and fostering alumni engagement. She also serves as the IWLCA Vice President.

“I am honored and grateful to receive this recognition. I would like to thank the IWLCA for this award and extend my sincere appreciation to the Navy Women’s Lacrosse coaching staff—Cindy, Brooke, Taylor, and Liz—for the nomination and for their daily support, collaboration, and trust. It is a privilege to work at such an elite institution alongside an exceptional group of leaders and to coach the amazing women of Navy Women’s Lacrosse. These high-achieving individuals inspire me every day with their dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in service to our country as future Naval and Marine Corps officers.” – Gabby Capuzzi Solomon

Gabby’s dedication extends beyond traditional coaching duties, offering personal support to staff and players alike, from delivering groceries to covering coaching responsibilities during times of need. Under her guidance, standout players like Alyssa Daley have earned numerous accolades, including All-American honors and national recognition in draw controls, while the team finished the season 15-6, with a 7-2 conference record and top-20 defensive rankings.

Anderson has played an integral role in every facet of the Slippery Rock women’s lacrosse program. During her tenure, the team has achieved a 53-21 overall record, including 32-14 in PSAC play, while producing 25 All-PSAC selections, 11 IWLCA All-Region honorees, and seven All-Americans. Last season alone, the team posted an 18-3 record and went undefeated in conference play (10-0), reaching a historic national semifinal in 2025.

Her influence extends far beyond the field. Anderson works with the defense and goalies, mentoring standout players who earned top accolades in 2025, including the PSAC Defensive Player of the Year, multiple All-Conference and All-Region selections, and four USA Lacrosse All-American honors. Under her guidance, the team ranked 7th nationally in caused turnovers per game and 10th in scoring defense.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the Outstanding Assistant Coach award. Thank you to the committee and to the coaches that nominated me. This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and passion I strive for every day. I am proud to represent The Rock and am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a committed program and coaching staff, and I share this honor with all of our players and staff.” – Jordan Anderson

Beyond coaching, Anderson serves as recruiting coordinator, manages team logistics, oversees budgets, organizes fundraising initiatives generating over $35,000 last year, and collaborates with the strength coach to develop comprehensive training programs. Her commitment to academics has helped Slippery Rock earn the PSAC Team GPA Award for four consecutive years.

“She has a hand in every aspect of this program,” said Head Coach Taryn Burkholder. “From leadership and player development to operations and team culture, Jordan’s dedication and innovative approach continue to push our program forward. It has been an honor to watch her grow as a coach.”

Since joining the staff, Clauter has been instrumental in every facet of the program. She oversees the defense, goalies, draw circle players, and manages on-field strategies, including playing time, substitutions, and individual skill development. Her leadership extends to film sessions, team and individual training, and mentoring players on leadership, mental toughness, and academics. Under her guidance, the team has achieved consistent success, including an 18-4 overall record and an undefeated 7-0 conference season in 2025, winning four consecutive MAC Conference Championships and making multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including two Elite 8 quarterfinals.

“It is truly an honor to receive the IWLCA Division III Outstanding Assistant Coach award. I am very fortunate to have great mentors at York and I’m grateful for having the opportunity to learn from them. I treasure my eight years as a player and then a coach at York.” – Nicky Clauter

Clauter’s influence extends far beyond coaching. She leads recruiting efforts for incoming players, coordinates campus visits and tournaments, manages travel logistics, organizes meals, and oversees game-day operations. She has been pivotal in building strong relationships with recruits, alumni, and staff, ensuring both competitive success and a supportive team culture. Her dedication to academics has helped the team maintain an average GPA above 3.4 over the past four years, with numerous players receiving individual academic honors.

“She has continually gone above and beyond, often putting the team first even while working part-time on a small stipend,” said Head Coach Jen Muston. “When I was sidelined due to surgery in 2024, Nicky assumed the role of acting head coach, managing every aspect of the program with skill, care, and professionalism. She has been indispensable to our team’s success.”

Clauter has also coached some of the program’s most decorated players, including Bella Garabo, a three-time IWLCA DIII Goalkeeper of the Year, First Team All-American, and MAC Conference Goalie of the Year. Other players under Clauter’s guidance have earned IWLCA All-Region and All-Conference honors, with multiple academic accolades as well.

The 2025 IWLCA Convention will be held November 19-21 at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. For more details, visit IWLCA.org.