Siena hires girls lax coach from Shaker

Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D’Argenio has announced the appointment of Abigail Rehfuss as the seventh head coach in Siena Women’s Lacrosse history. A native of nearby Latham, Rehfuss served as the varsity head coach locally at Shaker High School the past two years.

“We welcome Abigail to the Siena family,” said D’Argenio. “She brings an outstanding lacrosse background to Siena that includes national honors as a student athlete, and success as a coach. She is a great addition to the Siena community and the athletic department.

Rehfuss amassed a 2310 overall record at Shaker and guided the Blue Bison to the Section II Class A Championship in her first season at the helm in 2016. Shaker achieved a 14-3 overall record in 2016 and advanced to the Class A State Quarterfinals after ousting top seed and defending champion Guilderland in the Section II Class A Championship Game.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to join the Siena family,” noted Rehfuss. “Being from Latham, I’ve both followed and been a supporter of Siena athletics my entire life. I’m eager to get started.”

Rehfuss previously served as the varsity head coach locally at Bethlehem Central High School in 2014. She began her coaching career in the collegiate ranks as an assistant coach at Division III Roger Williams in 2012. Rehfuss has also served as a head coach for the Albany Elite Lacrosse Club since 2012.

“I’d like to welcome Coach Rehfuss to Siena,” commented assistant coach Rachael Burek. “I look forward to having the opportunity to work with her as we pursue a MAAC Championship.”

Rehfuss starred collegiately at Loyola University Maryland where she was named an IWLCA Second Team All-American, an All-Big East First Team and All-Tournament Team selection, and a Tewaaraton Award Watch list candidate after leading the Greyhounds to a program record-tying 17 wins, Big East Tournament Championship, and an NCAA Quarterfinals appearance in 2011. A two-time team captain, she received IWLCA All-Mid-Atlantic Region honors four times, and achieved All-Big East Second Team acclaim twice. Rehfuss, who was selected to participate in the prestigious North-South Senior All-Star Game in 2011, was the recipient of Loyola University Maryland’s Medal of Merit for her outstanding academic and athletic excellence.

Rehfuss recorded 177 career points on 127 goals and 50 assists, and ranks fourth all-time in Loyola history with 153 draw controls. Rehfuss, who started all 71 games she played at midfield for the Greyhounds, also picked up 107 groundballs and caused 65 turnovers. She twice led Loyola in draw controls (2009, 2010), and paced the squad with 15 assists as a freshman in 2008.

Rehfuss currently plays professionally in the United Women’s Lacrosse League for the Philadelphia Force. She played last season for the Boston Storm.