Life University Athletics

MARIETTA, Ga. --- Wednesday afternoon, Life University Director of Athletics Jayme Pendergast announced the hiring of former women's lacrosse assistant coach Emily Cabrera as the program's new head coach.
 
Cabrera is a familiar face around Life U, having been with the program since joining as the graduate assistant in 2019. She came to Life U after earning her undergraduate degree at NAIA foe and top women's lacrosse program, University of the Cumberlands, where she was the goalkeeper. Having been elevated to a full-time assistant position last Fall following her on and off field successes as a GA, Cabrera played a large role in helping to develop the Running Eagles into one of the best defensive units in all the NAIA. During her tenure as assistant, the team has made back-to-back NAIA Tournaments and been the nation's leader in caused turnovers and ground balls each of the last three seasons.
 
Athletic Director Jayme Pendergast was pleased to be able to keep the hiring within the family. "Emily has been a huge asset to our lacrosse program the last three years. Her familiarity with our operations, her care for our student-athletes, and her desire to keep moving the program forward allows us to keep a lot of continuity during a time where we really want to keep some great momentum." Pendergast continued, stating, "This women's lacrosse program is really special, as they hold some of the highest standards of student-athlete success across the board.  Emily is hungry for this coaching opportunity and I'm looking forward to supporting her as she leads this team toward our lofty goals."
 
Cabrera expressed her excitement to be able to stay at a place that has become home for her. "Over the years, Life University has formed a special place in my heart and I would like to thank Jayme Pendergast and the rest of the athletic department for giving me the opportunity to continue to grow this program. She finished, looking forward, saying, "I'm excited to continue the path and take this team to the next level."