University of Albany Announces Hiring of John Battaglino As Women's Lacrosse Associate Head Coach - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany head women's lacrosse coach Lindsey Hart announced on Wednesday, Sept. 16 the hiring of John Battaglino as associate head coach. Battaglino was previously a Syracuse University assistant coach for five seasons and head coach at Bethlehem Central (N.Y.) High School for nine years.

Battaglino served as Syracuse's offensive coordinator and assisted in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, scouting and practice planning. During his tenure, the Orange made four NCAA Tournament appearances and won 67 games. In 2009, Syracuse captured a share of the Big East Conference's regular-season title, advanced to the NCAA quarterfinal round and posted a 14-5 record. Three SU players earned IWLCA All-America honors.

In 2008, Battaglino guided the Orange to the highest-scoring season in NCAA history. Syracuse set records for points (541) and goals (380) and led the nation in goals per game (18.01) and points (25.64). Katie Rowan was Division I's top scorer and tied the NCAA single-season mark with 69 assists. In the process, Syracuse reached the NCAA semifinals, captured the Big East regular-season and tournament titles, and finished 18-3 overall. The Orange also won the 2007 Big East crown and advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals with the nation's second-ranked offensive attack.

At the high school level, Battaglino led the Eagles to four New York State regional championships and six Section II titles. He coached the program to the Class A state semifinals in 1999, 2002 and 2004 and the state finals in 2003. Battaglino, who compiled a 148-31 career record, was recognized as coach of the year from 1999-2004 by U.S. Lacrosse. Bethlehem Central High had 17 high school All-Americans during his tenure.

Battaglino earned a B.A. in political science from Siena College in 1986. He went on to earn a master's in environmental planning from UAlbany in 1992, before receiving another graduate degree in education from Russell Sage College six years later.

Battaglino was inducted into the Adirondack Region Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2008 and served on the selection committee for the 2006 U.S. Lacrosse National Team.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information