Gardner-Webb Adds Cross, Struss To Coaching Staff
August 14, 2015 | Women's Lacrosse
BOILING SPRINGS --- Gardner-Webb University head women's lacrosse coach Jillian Krick is pleased to announce the addition of Alexis Cross and Samantha Struss as assistant coaches for the 2016 season.
A native of Marriottsville, Maryland, Cross was a three-year starting defender at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she was named to the 2015 Inside Lacrosse Preseason All-America Third Team. The 2015 team captain was twice named to the All-CAA First Team, while also earning a spot on the IWLCA All-South Region Second Team this past spring after setting career highs in both ground balls (47) and caused turnovers (28).
"I am very excited to add Alexis Cross to my staff," said Krick. "Alexis brings a great deal of knowledge from James Madison University and was an outstanding defender during her time there. Coming from such a successful program and off a great season winning the Colonial Athletic Association, I know Alexis will have a lot of insight for our program. I am looking forward to working with Alexis and think she will be a great asset to our program."
During her four-year career with the Dukes, Cross helped James Madison to an overall record of 48-25, including a 15-5 mark and a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2015. Cross holds a Bachelor's of Science in Sports and Recreation Management from James Madison with minors in business and coaching.
Cross brings a wealth of coaching experience at the club level as well, including four years as a coach with M&D Club Lacrosse in Ellicott City, Maryland, with whom she planned and directed overall team strategy as well as assisting players and their families with the collegiate recruiting process. She also has experience on the strength and conditioning side of athletics, having completed an internship at her alma mater, James Madison University, last fall.
Struss comes to Gardner-Webb following a stellar playing career at Big South Conference foe Liberty, where she compiled 108 goals, 55 assists and 163 points in 73 games. Perhaps her best season came this past spring, when the 5-foot-2 attack accounted for 36 goals, 20 assists and 56 points while helping Liberty to a 9-11 overall record and a runner-up finish in the Big South Tournament.
"I am very thrilled to add Samantha Struss to my staff," said Krick. "Samantha had a great career at Liberty University and was a former teammate of mine. She was a strong force on the offense end of the field and I am excited for the new ideas she will bring to our offensive unit. Coming off a successful season in the Big South, I am confident Samantha will lead our attack in the right direction. It will be great to have her back on my team."
A native of Evans City, Pennsylvania, Struss scored at least 12 goals in each of her four seasons at Liberty, netting a program-record 41 strikes in 2014 after posting 19 goals and 21 assists as a sophomore in 2013. Struss was named to the Big South All-Conference Second Team as a senior in 2015. The two-time Big South All-Academic honoree holds a Bachelor's of Science in Exercise Science from Liberty.
Struss has extensive coaching experience at the club as well, most recently serving as an assistant coach for Pittsburgh Premier Lacrosse Club, where she assisted with drills and helped to design and implement various offensive sets. She also spent three years as an assistant coach for Pittsburgh Select Lacrosse, designing and facilitating drills to advance each player's knowledge and individual skills.
