By Ty Mulcahey
Contributing Writer
Sarah Martin, the head coach of the women’s lacrosse team, announced her resignation, sending shockwaves through the Saint Rose athletic community and leaving players and fans in disbelief.
Martin, who had been at the helm of the Golden Knights lacrosse program for the past three seasons, delivered the news to her team before their pre-season practice on Sept. 7.
Her decision to step down came as a surprise to both players and staff who had grown accustomed to her leadership, personality, and dedication to the program. The announcement was met with a mix of emotions from the players, many of whom expressed their gratitude for Martin’s guidance and mentorship during her tenure.
“Well, obviously I’m upset because she is the one who recruited me to come to Saint Rose and I feel like we had a connection, but you know, everybody gets opportunities in their life and some are better, some are worse,” said Eliza Barton, a sophomore. “I feel like you have to go with your gut, and take the opportunity. I’m really happy for her and I know she’ll do great things because she is a great coach and she will definitely grow and learn a lot and become a better person overall with this new opportunity,” she said.
While Coach Martin did not provide specific reasons for her resignation in her statement, she cited that there was another opportunity for a position in the lacrosse world for her to take.
Although she did not specify, rumors were circulating among players that she may be moving to the UAlbany Great Danes women’s lacrosse team, although UAlbany has not made any announcements in that regard by press time.
The athletic department and college administration expressed their understanding and support for her choice, emphasizing the importance of taking new opportunities.
During her time as head coach, Sarah Martin played a pivotal role in the success and growth of the lacrosse program at the College. Under her leadership, the team achieved several notable accomplishments, including guiding Saint Rose to its first postseason appearance in just its second season as a program.
Assistant graduate student Ashley Burns, who will be stepping up as interim head coach, said, “prior to stepping into the role of interim head coach, I was only a graduate assistant as I am attending graduate school for educational psychology. In the past two weeks, I have stepped into the role of head coach, which consists of practice planning, recruiting, and being a support system for the girls on the team. I now have new responsibilities that are completely different from the ones I first expected at the beginning of the semester.”
Burns said she will continue to move the girls program forward while the search for Martin’s successor is underway.
“I will forever be grateful for her as a coach and now a friend, especially for sticking around to help me figure out what is best for the girls and this program,” Burns said.
