New Coaches For a New Start

The Lyndon State College athletic department has been busy this offseason, making moves in their coaching staff to ensure future successes in their respective sports. There have been 3 head coaching vacancies filled since last season, along with some promotions and other new hires.

Bill Johnson, who was already the assistant coach of the women's softball team last season, made the leap this year to head coach.

"I was excited (about the promotion)," said Johnson, "I think anytime you get named head coach of a program it generates excitement."

This promotion touched a little close to the heart for Johnson, as he graduated from Lyndon State in 1987.

"It's not often you get a chance to work for your alma mater."

Men's tennis saw a head coaching vacancy filled as well. Former head coach Laura Laramee of the Johnson State Badgers made the switch to Lyndon on August 29th. Laramee, who coached for two years at JSC and advanced the Badgers to the NAC championship, replaces Geoff Davison.

Laramee is very optimistic about the future of the program.

"I have known this team for a couple years," said Laramee.  "I saw the potential in the team and I'm very excited to see this team move forward. I have the knowledge to help this team get to the NAC finals"

She is also enthusiastic about the fact the team is young.

"It's a great advantage having a young team," said Laramee.  "You can build them and teach them how to play and they will grow with the sport (because) tennis is all about growing and maturing."

Lacrosse also got a new head coach: Richard Aberle, who brings decades of experience with him to Lyndon State.

         "I am very grateful to have the opportunity to coach lacrosse at Lyndon State," said Aberle in a press release. "I see my role with the men's lacrosse team principally as a teacher."

Aberle is the second coach in the men's program, taking the reins from Tim Tierney who had been coach since the program began in 2008.