softball Coaches

Elisa Van Kirk was named the new head coach of the St. Lawrence University softball program in the summer of 2012 after serving as the assistant coach at Wesleyan in Connecticut.  Before joining the Cardinals in 2011, she spent a year assisting at Smith College, where she also earned her Master of Science Degree with specialization in exercise and sport studies.

A former division I softball player at The George Washington University, Van Kirk finished her career with the Colonials ranked fourth all-time in walks and fifth in home runs.  A two-time Dean's List honoree, she was twice named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll and three times to the GWU Athletic Department Honor Roll.    

Along with playing and coaching experience at the collegiate level, Van Kirk has worked extensively with U-14 and U-18 summer teams, as well as numerous camps and clinics as a hitting and catching instructor.   

Briana Andrews, a four-year member of the Binghamton University softball team, joined the Saints staff as the assistant softball coach in the fall of 2012.  

Andrews made the America East Conference All-Rookie Team in 2008 and was a five-time Academic Honor Roll member.  She was inducted into the National College Athlete Honor Society in 2009, and was a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee as an undergraduate. 

An Endicott, NY native, Briana served as the head coach of several travel softball teams for the past five years.  She graduated in 2012 with a degree in English and human development. 

Darlene Gonyeau, St. Lawrence's Operations Specialist/Visit Coordinator, will serve as the Faculty/Staff Mentor to the softball team for the 2012-13 season.

Office Responsibilities
"My responsibilities include the processing of international applications and I work as a Visit Coordinator during various times of the year. This task involves speaking to students and parents on the phone to arrange for their visit."

Originally From
Gouverneur, NY

Favorite Movies
Anything that makes me laugh!

Favorite Books
The Wimpy Kids series

Favorite Quote
"The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. " -Ben Stein

Hobbies
Camping, traveling, anything pertaining to the great outdoors. Spending time with my family and friends.

What I like about St. Lawrence
The campus is breathtaking. Both modern and historical buildings compliment each other. The people are always very pleasant and helpful.

Jeff Rickey, the Vice President and Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid, will serve as the softball team's Faculty/Staff Mentor for the 2012-13 season.

Originally From
Portland, Oregon

Favorite Movies
Being There, Moulin Rouge, Slumdog Millionaire, and almost all Japanese movies.

Favorite Books
The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and all books by Shusaku Endo.

Favorite Quote
At the end of the day, when you have done your best, await the results in peace. Sir John Lubbock

Hobbies
Golf, cooking, and family time.

What I like about St. Lawrence
There are many things I like about St. Lawrence, but at the foundation of each thing is authenticity, passion, and purpose. You will see them in everyone in the St. Lawrence community and you will see them in every endeavor.