EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette women's lacrosse program and head coach Katie McConnell have announced that Nicole (Nikki) Prestiano has been promoted to associate head coach heading into the 2026 season.

"Nikki has been an integral part of our program since the moment she stepped foot on campus in 2019. Her creativity, excitement and passion for Lafayette women's lacrosse are evident every single day. She works tirelessly and relentlessly for our team, and we are all better because she is a part of our program," McConnell said. "I cannot thank her enough for her commitment and loyalty, and I look forward to this exciting next chapter together!"

Over the past two seasons, Prestiano has effectively led the defensive, goalies and draw units. Under her guidance, Leopard goalkeepers have flourished with two of the three she has coached surpassing 400 career saves. The draw unit has also shown consistent and significant improvement under her direction.

The Leopards began the 2025 season with the program's best start through four games (3-1) since 2020. The Maroon and White knocked off four non-conference opponents before earning a striking 10-8 comeback victory at American for the initial Patriot League victory of the year on March 26.

Prestiano came to College Hill after spending four years between the pipes for Manhattan under Katie McConnell's leadership. During her playing career as a goalie, she was named a four-time Defensive Player of the Week and served as a team captain in her final season.

Prestiano earned her master's in organization leadership from Manhattan in May 2021.

 
For the latest on the Lafayette College women's lacrosse program, follow the Leopards on Instagram @lafayette_wlax and Twitter @LafayetteWLAX.