Johnson State College has selected Mike Fuller as head coach for the newly-added Johnson State College women’s varsity lacrosse program. Fuller began his duties August 30, and will spend the entire 2013-14 school year recruiting a full roster of female student-athletes to compete for the program. The Badgers will begin intercollegiate varsity competition in the 2014-15 season.

“We are thrilled to name Mike Fuller as the first head coach in the program’s history,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation, Jamey Ventura. “Mike has a diverse background which will undoubtedly help him in starting a program from the ground up. He has a passion for lacrosse, and will serve as a strong leader for the players that will be coming to Johnson State over the next few years. I look forward to working with him, and seeing the program develop under his guidance.”

Before coming to Johnson, Fuller spent two years assisting Mt. Holyoke College women’s lacrosse head coach Miriam Esber. Last year, Mt. Holyoke’s team posted a record of 13-4, 4-2 New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) and earned the title of 2013 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Tournament Champions. While at Mt. Holyoke, Fuller instructed players in individual and team practices, managed sideline supervision and traveled for advance scouting.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity that Johnson State College has given me. Both myself and the young women of our first team have the opportunity to be pioneers for the teams to follow at Johnson,” Fuller said. “Starting a new program may come with some challenges, but it’s also a chance to make history.”

Fuller graduated from Suffolk University with a bachelor’s degree in general studies and continued at Suffolk earning his law degree. Off the field, Fuller is a senior claims representative for Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation where he has been working since 2001.

With the addition of a new NCAA Division III varsity women’s lacrosse program Johnson becomes the eighth college in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) to offer women’s lacrosse. It will mark the seventh varsity sport available to women at JSC and the college’s 13th overall.