Duval Times

Jacksonville University Athletics announced on Wednesday afternoon the addition of Assistant Coach Molly Little to the Women's Lacrosse staff for the upcoming 2023 season.

Little joins a staff featuring brand new Head Coach Tara Singleton, as well as returning Assistant Coach Mike Bedford who gears up for his third season on the Dolphin sideline.

Coming to Jacksonville from the University of Denver, Little was a standout defender for the Pioneers from 2017 to 2021 who was extremely skilled at causing turnovers while also being the team's draw specialist.

"We are thrilled to add Molly to our staff to oversee our draw and midfield unit! She's coming off an amazing collegiate career and has spent time at Denver working alongside one of the best in the business," said Head Coach Tara Singleton when asked about her first new hire as leader of the 'Phins.

"This combined with her experience in the professional league will certainly be a tremendous asset to our entire squad," finished Singleton.

In her four years at Denver, Molly reached ninth in school history for caused turnovers with 76, and second in career draw controls with 214. She was also able to amass many major awards, including being named to the Tewaarton Award Watch List twice, BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, IWLCA Second Team All-America in 2021, ILWCA All-West/Midwest Region First Team twice, and BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week on six different occasions.

Named team captain for the 2021 Pioneers, Little was an outspoken leader while on the field, and in her final year led Denver to an 18-3 record while also winning both the BIG EAST regular season and tournament championships.

Following her stellar collegiate career, Little now plays professional women's lacrosse for the One Love Foundation team in the Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse League. In her inaugural season, Molly played in 15 games and posted a stat line of one goal, one assist, five caused turnovers, four draw controls, and 15 ground balls.

While playing in the professional game, Little has also gained some experience in coaching as she joined the Denver staff as a volunteer assistant coach following her final season as a player.

While working as an assistant, Molly focused closely on the defense and draw unit, helping current Pioneer Abby Jenkins to become the school record holder for single season draw controls and draw controls in a single game.

Outside of her one season stint with Denver, Molly also currently holds a position with Treasure State Lacrosse as their Director of Girls Select Teams.

In this role, Little has gained a great deal of experience in the operations side of lacrosse and has been able to develop her ability to coordinate practice and game times while also managing team travel and communication between the club, athletes, and their parents.

Now making the jump to a more permanent assistant role, Molly joins a Dolphin team to work specifically with a midfield and draw unit that are coming off one of their best years yet.

Last season, the 'Phins were able to maintain a dominant presence on the draw, scooping up 305 total as a team with Molly Brock leading the way with 122 on the year.

In the midfield, JU was steadfast in their ride and caused plenty of turnovers in transition, something Little will hope to continue as she steps into her new role.

For more news and information as we approach the 2023 season, please check back here at JUDolphins.com or on any of the team's social media accounts @Jax_Wlax.

Original source can be found here.