Jackie Neary has the unique distinction of finishing the spring season as Cabrini University’s first and only women’s lacrosse coach in its history after it was announced that Villanova University would acquire the small Division III school, writes Kenny DeJohn for USA Lacrosse Magazine.

“Coaching at Cabrini is not what I do. It’s who I am,” Neary said. “Over 28 years, I raised my four children there. I beat cancer there. I buried my parents while I was there. It’s always been a mainstay in my life.”

Neary, a 2013 Cabrini Athletics Hall of Famer, started the women’s lacrosse program in 1997. Since then, the team has achieved a 336-152 record with 21 conference championships in 26 full seasons.

She’s also been the university’s field hockey coach since 1996.

In total, there are 600 wins for the head coach.

“The most remarkable thing about her is the number of people she’s truly saved and given a path to. They didn’t know what their path was, but she created it,” said Julie Smith from Drexel Hill, who played field hockey and lacrosse under Neary from 2001-05.

Smith became Neary’s assistant in both sports from 2006 to 2019.

Find out more about Jackie Neary and her impact at Cabrini University in USA Lacrosse Magazine.