Rachel Lasda’s lacrosse journey is one of leadership, athletic excellence, and a deep commitment to growing the sport both in the United States and internationally. From her days as a standout high school and college athlete to her influential coaching career, Lasda has left a lasting mark on the game. Her story reflects not only individual achievement but also a dedication to mentoring the next generation of players.

Lacrosse Career: From Player to Coach

Playing Career

West Genesee High School (2005–2007)

Rachel Lasda first made her mark at West Genesee High School, where she was a three-year varsity defender. Her senior year was nothing short of remarkable: the Wildcats completed an undefeated season, were crowned 2007 State Champions, and earned the title of #1 team in the nation.

During her high school career, Lasda received numerous accolades, including:

• 2007 All-American
• 2005–2007 Academic All-American
• 2007 Co-Captain

Her leadership and defensive skill set her apart early, laying the foundation for her collegiate and international success.

Villanova University (2007–2011)

Continuing her lacrosse career at Villanova University, Lasda transitioned to the midfield position, showcasing her versatility. She served as co-captain in both 2010 and 2011, helping lead the Wildcats during the inaugural year of Big East Conference play in 2010.

Her achievements included:

• Big East All-Academic Team (2009–2010, 2010–2011)
• Big East Weekly Honor Roll (March 22, 2010)

Lasda excelled on the field while balancing academics at the highest level, cementing her reputation as a driven and well-rounded student-athlete.

Latvian National Team (2013–Present)

After college, Lasda took her passion for lacrosse to the international stage as a player for the Latvian Women’s National Team. She competed in multiple global events:

• World Championships: 2013 (Canada), 2017 (England)
• European Championships: 2015 (Czechia), 2019 (Israel), 2024 (Portugal)

Her commitment to representing Latvia in international competition highlights her dedication to expanding the sport worldwide.

Coaching Career

Latvian National Team (2013–Present)

Transitioning from player to coach, Lasda has served as assistant coach for the Latvian National Team since 2013. She has been instrumental in:

• Program design and player development
• Coaching at World Championships (2013 Canada, 2017 England, 2022 USA)
• Coaching at European Championships (2015 Czechia, 2019 Israel, 2024 Portugal)
• Launching the inaugural Latvian Women’s 6’s team

Her leadership has directly influenced the growth of Latvian lacrosse at every level.

Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child (Summit, NJ)

Lasda became a powerhouse in New Jersey high school lacrosse as head coach at Oak Knoll School from 2015 to 2020, after serving as assistant coach from 2012 to 2014. Her teams amassed a record of 105–21 over five seasons, highlighted by:

• 2x Tournament of Champions Titles (2015, 2019)
• 5x Group 1 State Championships (2015–2019)
• Recognition as NFHS Regional Coach of the Year (2015)
• USA Today Coach of the Year (2015)

Lasda guided over 20 athletes to Division I programs, including commitments to schools such as Notre Dame, Harvard, Georgetown, Stanford, Yale, Cornell, and more.

Ranney School (Tinton Falls, NJ)

Since 2021, Lasda has been building a competitive program at the Ranney School. She led the team to:

• Their first-ever Coaches Cup appearance (2024)
• Their first win in the Coaches Cup (2025)

Her ability to create and elevate programs has been a consistent theme in her career.

Manasquan High School (2026–Future)

Looking ahead, Lasda will continue her coaching journey as the head coach at Manasquan High School, where she is expected to bring her proven leadership and championship mindset.

Club Coaching Experience

In addition to her high school and international coaching, Lasda has been influential in the club lacrosse scene:

• All Lax (Neptune, NJ): Head Coach for the 2023 and 2027 teams. Her 2023 squad included players committed to top programs such as Georgetown, UNC, Army, Lehigh, Hofstra, and more.
• T3 Lacrosse (Basking Ridge, NJ): Served three years as an assistant coach, helping athletes develop skills and reach the next level.

A Lasting Impact on Lacrosse

From West Genesee to Villanova, from Oak Knoll to the Latvian National Team, Rachel Lasda’s lacrosse career has been defined by excellence, leadership, and a passion for developing players. Her influence is evident both on the field as a player and on the sidelines as a coach. Whether leading championship teams or pioneering international growth, Lasda continues to shape the game and inspire athletes at every level.