Courtesy of Jem Smith, Lake Erie Sports Information Director
PAINESVILLE, Ohio—Lake Erie College Athletic Director Reid Guarneiri announced the hiring of Irenna "Reni" Lawrence as the Head Women's Soccer Coach Friday (July 1).
Lawrence most recently served as an assistant coach for the Storm during the 2015 season.
"I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing group," said Lawrence. "The team has worked incredibly hard during the off-season, and it will be exciting to see what we can accomplish this fall. Together, we can do anything."
"As with each of our recent head coaching hires, Coach Lawrence has displayed not only a passion for the sport but an intense desire to provide our student-athletes with a positive environment," remarked Guarneri. "Having her on staff this past year gave us a glimpse into her personality and coaching style and we are excited to provide our team with the continuity we expect will provide great momentum into a successful 2016 season."
Prior to coaching at Lake Erie, Lawrence served as the Assistant Coach at Hiram College from 1999-2000 and from 2011-2015. At Hiram, she assisted with on-field coaching, practice and game day preparation as well as off-season training. In addition to serving as an Assistant Coach at Hiram, Lawrence served in the same capacity at Case Western Reserve University from 2007-2011.
Additionally, Lawrence served as both the men's and women's Assistant Coach, as well as the Senior Women's Administrator, at Myers University from 2006-2007. At Myers, Lawrence planned and led team in practice and drills and recruited in addition to coaching. Before serving at Myers, Lawrence was the Head Women's Soccer and Women's Tennis Coach at Ursuline College for six years. For both sports, Lawrence planned and led all practices, recruited and planned off-season development programs in addition to coaching.
In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, Lawrence has served as the coach of several Cleveland based club teams, most recently the Cleveland Whitecaps.
Lawrence graduated from Ashland University with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Communication in 1999 after playing four seasons of soccer. She helped the Eagles reach the NCAA Division-II Final Four her senior year. Lawrence is also a certified personal trainer and yoga instructor.
"Through her two decades of connectivity in Ohio, first as a standout student-athlete then as a collegiate and club coach, we believe Coach Lawrence will also prove to be a true asset in recruiting," concluded Guarnieri. "Most of all, we believe she is devoted to these student-athletes and prepared to raise the program to a new level of competitiveness as we conclude our association with the GLIAC and move into the G-MAC."
Lawrence will be joined on the sidelines this fall by Assistant Coach Cooper Hoenigman and Graduate Assistant Coach Reilee DuPratt (Edinboro '16).