Yale assistants Palella, Smith honored with top IWLCA award

Yale coaches Colleen Smith and Molly Palella have been named the Outstanding Assistant Coaches in D-1 by the IWLCA. (Yale Athletics)

After helping Yale achieve the winningest season in program history, assistant coaches Molly Hulseman Palella and Colleen Smith are being honored with the Outstanding Assistant Coach Award for Division 1, the IWLCA announced on Thursday.

Nicole Belanger of the University of New Haven and Lindsay Magro of William Smith are being honored in Division 2 and Division 3, respectively.

The Outstanding Assistant Coach award recognizes an assistant coach from each division who has made a distinct impact on the success of their program through hard work, commitment, dedication and sportsmanship.

Those coaches will be recognized at the IWLCA Convention on Nov. 21 for their achievements.

Palella and Smith have profoundly impacted the Yale women’s lacrosse program during their tenures. Over the past eight years, they have transformed the program into national contenders. Last spring, the team set a program record for wins in going 17-3, won the Ivy League championship and reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament.

“It’s an incredible honor for us as the coaching staff to win this award together,” Paella and Smith said in a statement. “We are truly grateful for the opportunity to do what we love every day and to work alongside amazing mentors and inspiring young women. We look forward to celebrating this achievement with everyone in Florida.”

Palella, a Chicago native who played at Loyola, and who focuses on draw control and offensive strategies, has also played a crucial role in Yale players breaking multiple school records for goals, assists and points.

Smith, who is also an Illinois native and starred at Princeton as a player, is the team’s defensive coordinator and goalie coach. She has spearheaded a notable improvement in the team’s defensive performance, elevating its national ranking from 77th in 2022 to third in 2024.

“Over the past (almost) decade, Colleen and Molly have shared their lives with Yale women’s lacrosse,” said Yale head coach Erica Bamford. “It has become evident that they view their work as more than a job or career; it has become a lifestyle – a rarity in our profession. Their loyalty, commitment and sacrifice have been among their greatest contributions to our program.”

A New Jersey native who starred as a player at New Haven, graduating in 2017, Belanger has been an assistant coach for six years and also serves as the athletics wellness coordinator at New Haven.

Her multifaceted role includes coaching, wellness advocacy and mental health support, stemming from her background as a licensed clinical therapist. Belanger has been pivotal in enhancing student-athlete experiences by bridging gaps between athletics and university support services.

With her help assisting head coach Jen Fallon, the Chargers achieved a 12-7 overall record last season and reached the NCAA tournament for the seventh time.

“It is an incredible honor to receive the (award) for my division,” said Belanger. “I am deeply grateful for this recognition and for the journey that has brought me here — from my days as a student-athlete at the University of New Haven. … This journey has taught me the value of hard work, dedication and the importance of mentorship, and I am truly proud to give back to the sport that has given me so much.”

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