Eastern Michigan Athletics
Groveston Jackson Resigns; Lane Named Interim Lacrosse Coach
12/22/2021 1:00:00 PM | Lacrosse
Eastern Michigan will conduct a national search in the spring for the program's next head coach
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - Eastern Michigan University Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee announced today, Dec. 22, that Head Lacrosse Coach Alicia Groveston Jackson has resigned from her position for a family opportunity out of state. Allison Lane, who has been with the program since June 2021, will serve as the interim head coach.
EMU will conduct a national search for the program's next head coach in the spring.
"I'd like to thank Alicia for helping us start the lacrosse program and for establishing an outstanding foundation of student-athletes that will lead the program into the future," said Wetherbee. "Although I am sad to see her leave Eastern Michigan, I understand her desire to be close to family and why this was such a difficult decision. EMU Lacrosse is primed for success on and off the field and I am excited to see this program continue to grow in excellence into the future. In the program's best interest, I'm thankful that Allison has agreed to step up into the role as interim head coach. This will allow us to maintain continuity within the program and provide the best possible student-athlete experience as our team gets ready to play its inaugural season in 2023."
Eastern, which announced that it would be adding women's lacrosse as the 19th varsity sport on Nov. 6, 2019, begins play in the 2022-23 academic year. EMU will be the seventh Mid-American Conference institution to sponsor the sport at the NCAA Division I level. Others in the MAC include Akron, Central Michigan, Detroit Mercy, Kent State, Robert Morris, and Youngstown State.
"I would like to thank Scott Wetherbee and Stacie McMullen for this amazing opportunity and their never-ending support for this program," said Groveston Jackson. "I am disappointed to not be able to finish what I started, but I know that this program will do big things. Allison and I have worked hand in hand over the last six months and this program will continue to excel under her watch. With the addition of Morgan Gott to our staff, Allison has exactly who she needs in place to support her in this endeavor. Their partnership will ensure success for this program moving forward."
EMU recently signed its second-ever recruiting class that features 29 student-athletes from 14 states and one province. In 2021, Eastern inked seven student-athletes, including one USA Lacrosse All-American.
Groveston Jackson, who began her duties at EMU on Nov. 16, 2020, will hand the reins of the program over to Lane on Jan. 7, 2022.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Alicia these past six months," Lane added. "Her leadership has truly set this program up for success. I wish her and her family all the best in their next chapter. I am very excited to assume the position of interim head coach. I'm looking forward to continuing our efforts of developing our student-athletes currently on campus, welcoming the 29 joining us next year, and building our Eagle lacrosse family. Thank you to Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee and our sport administrator, Stacie McMullen, for their guidance as we create the foundation for Eastern Michigan University women's lacrosse."
Prior to her arrival in Ypsilanti, Lane served as a graduate assistant coach (2018-20) and volunteer assistant coach (2020-21) at Central Michigan University. As a member of the Chippewas' coaching staff, she assisted with the offense and draw-takers.
Before coming onto the scene in Mount Pleasant, Mich., Lane received her bachelor's degree in Communications at Marquette University. On the field, she was a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain as a standout midfielder for the Golden Eagles. During her time in Milwaukee, she was named to the All-Big East First Team twice (2016, 2018), All-Big East Second Team once (2017), and Big East All-Academic team three times (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18).
As a senior, Lane recorded career-highs in goals (39), assists (14), points (53), ground balls (47), draw controls (82), and caused turnovers (25). Her 47 ground balls remain the most in a single season in program history at Marquette. She concluded her senior campaign at the 2018 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Senior All-Star Game where she was selected to the North team.
For updates on all things lacrosse, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, @EMU_Lacrosse, and Twitter, @EMU_Lacrosse.
EMU will conduct a national search for the program's next head coach in the spring.
"I'd like to thank Alicia for helping us start the lacrosse program and for establishing an outstanding foundation of student-athletes that will lead the program into the future," said Wetherbee. "Although I am sad to see her leave Eastern Michigan, I understand her desire to be close to family and why this was such a difficult decision. EMU Lacrosse is primed for success on and off the field and I am excited to see this program continue to grow in excellence into the future. In the program's best interest, I'm thankful that Allison has agreed to step up into the role as interim head coach. This will allow us to maintain continuity within the program and provide the best possible student-athlete experience as our team gets ready to play its inaugural season in 2023."
Eastern, which announced that it would be adding women's lacrosse as the 19th varsity sport on Nov. 6, 2019, begins play in the 2022-23 academic year. EMU will be the seventh Mid-American Conference institution to sponsor the sport at the NCAA Division I level. Others in the MAC include Akron, Central Michigan, Detroit Mercy, Kent State, Robert Morris, and Youngstown State.
"I would like to thank Scott Wetherbee and Stacie McMullen for this amazing opportunity and their never-ending support for this program," said Groveston Jackson. "I am disappointed to not be able to finish what I started, but I know that this program will do big things. Allison and I have worked hand in hand over the last six months and this program will continue to excel under her watch. With the addition of Morgan Gott to our staff, Allison has exactly who she needs in place to support her in this endeavor. Their partnership will ensure success for this program moving forward."
EMU recently signed its second-ever recruiting class that features 29 student-athletes from 14 states and one province. In 2021, Eastern inked seven student-athletes, including one USA Lacrosse All-American.
Groveston Jackson, who began her duties at EMU on Nov. 16, 2020, will hand the reins of the program over to Lane on Jan. 7, 2022.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Alicia these past six months," Lane added. "Her leadership has truly set this program up for success. I wish her and her family all the best in their next chapter. I am very excited to assume the position of interim head coach. I'm looking forward to continuing our efforts of developing our student-athletes currently on campus, welcoming the 29 joining us next year, and building our Eagle lacrosse family. Thank you to Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee and our sport administrator, Stacie McMullen, for their guidance as we create the foundation for Eastern Michigan University women's lacrosse."
Prior to her arrival in Ypsilanti, Lane served as a graduate assistant coach (2018-20) and volunteer assistant coach (2020-21) at Central Michigan University. As a member of the Chippewas' coaching staff, she assisted with the offense and draw-takers.
Before coming onto the scene in Mount Pleasant, Mich., Lane received her bachelor's degree in Communications at Marquette University. On the field, she was a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain as a standout midfielder for the Golden Eagles. During her time in Milwaukee, she was named to the All-Big East First Team twice (2016, 2018), All-Big East Second Team once (2017), and Big East All-Academic team three times (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18).
As a senior, Lane recorded career-highs in goals (39), assists (14), points (53), ground balls (47), draw controls (82), and caused turnovers (25). Her 47 ground balls remain the most in a single season in program history at Marquette. She concluded her senior campaign at the 2018 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Senior All-Star Game where she was selected to the North team.
For updates on all things lacrosse, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, @EMU_Lacrosse, and Twitter, @EMU_Lacrosse.
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