PHILADELPHIA – Former La Salle women's soccer standout Melissa Sanger has been hired as an assistant coach and will train the goalkeepers during the 2012-13 season for the nationally ranked program. Sanger graduated in 2012 having played five seasons under head coach Paul Royal and two with assistant coach Ally Kenney.
 
“Ally and I are thrilled to have Melissa join our staff,” said Royal. “It's exciting when you have one of the greatest athletes to ever play here at La Salle stay involved in the game and aid in the development of our student-athletes.”
 
Sanger graduated as the Explorers' all-time leader in shutouts (23) and goals against average (1.11). Additionally, the Mullica Hill, NJ native is tied for first in career wins (33) and is third all-time in save percentage (.803). 
 
“Over the past couple of years La Salle has become a second home to me,” explained Sanger. “I'm thrilled to be able to take on the position and remain a part of this family. I've seen such an improvement with our program over the last couple seasons as a player and can't wait to be a part of its future success.”
 
Upon graduation, Sanger was awarded with an NSCAA Scholar All-American selection, marking the first time in program history an Explorer was recognized with the prestigious honor. The goalkeeper finished her final regular season with an unblemished 15-0-3 record in goal and only allowed six goals all season long.  She was ranked third in the nation in GAA  (0.287) and fourth in save percentage (0.918).
 
“Her passion, energy and love for La Salle University will provide our girls a platform for continuing to build upon our recent success,” said Royal. “Being one of the greatest leaders I've ever had the opportunity to coach, I'm extremely honored to have Melissa continue her next chapter staying connected to our family here at La Salle.”
 
FOR TRANSACTIONS: La Salle hires Melissa Sanger as assistant women's soccer coach.