Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College has named Jessalyn O'Neill '17 as the head women's lacrosse coach.

"I am beyond thankful to Don Tencher and Jo-Ann D'Alessandro for the opportunity to return home and lead the Rhode Island College women's lacrosse program," O'Neill said. "As an alumni of the program, I take pride in the Rhode Island College culture of prestigious education and championship athletics. I am eager to get to work."

O'Neill comes to RIC after serving as an assistant girls lacrosse coach at Pilgrim High School since 2017. She was also the Flare Lacrosse Club's team head coach in 2021.

The North Providence native played four seasons of lacrosse at Rhode Island College from 2011-14. O'Neill played in 58 career games, starting all of them. She compiled 67 goals and 34 assists for 101 points to go along with 114 ground balls, 87 draw controls, and 45 caused turnovers. O'Neill left her fingerprints all over the Rhode Island College record books at the conclusion of her career, ranking fourth all-time in career assists, fifth in both caused turnovers and draw controls, sixth in points, and seventh in both goals and shots (187).

She earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and health education from Rhode Island College in 2017.

In addition to her coaching duties, O'Neill is a physical education teacher at the Cornerstone School in Cranston.