Dec. 20, 2000

VILLANOVA, PA-- On Aug. 14, Villanova University Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro named Shannon O'Neil head women's lacrosse coach. O'Neil, a 1997 Villanova graduate, was a two-time Regional All-American performer during her women's lacrosse career on the Main Line.

A four-year starter for the Wildcats, O'Neil currently owns the Villanova school records for most assists in a season, as well as career assists. She was named to the Mid-Atlantic Region All-American Team in both 1996 and 1997, and was invited to play in the North/South Senior All-Star Game in 1997. In addition, O'Neil was co-captain for head coach Joanie Milhous and the Wildcats as a senior in 1997.

O'Neil graduated from Villanova in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in sociology. She went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Wildcat women's lacrosse team in 1998. One season later, O'Neil was named the first head women's lacrosse coach at Division II Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. She guided Saint Anselm to a 3-3 mark in the team's first exhibition season in 1999. In Saint Anselm's first varsity season in 2000, O'Neil led the school to a 5-8 record.

A native of Newburgh, N.Y., O'Neil currently resides in Ardmore, Pa.