INDIANAPOLIS – After leading the UIndy women's lacrosse team to its first berth in the NCAA tournament in just the program's third season, the interim tag has been stripped from James Delaney, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Sue Willey announced on Wednesday.
 
"James could not have done a better job proving to our administration that he is the right person to lead our women's lacrosse program," Willey said. "Recently he interviewed in hopes of having his "interim" title removed and we found there was overwhelming support from our department coaches, staff, student athletes, and administration, as well as other constituents."
 
Delaney is ecstatic to be officially named the program's second head coach. "I would like to thank Dr. Willey, Scott Young, Jackie Paquette and the entire UIndy family for giving me an opportunity to work in such a great athletic department," Delaney said.
 
The Greyhounds are coming off a 16-4 season, which including a GLIAC tournament title before earning a spot in the NCAA Midwest regional. UIndy defeated five ranked opponents, while being in the IWLCA and Nike/US Lacrosse polls all season long. The highest the team climbed in the rankings was No. 8 in both sets of polls.
 
"There is no doubt in my mind that James Delaney is the right coach for our young program," Willey continued. "He and his staff have showed what they are capable of accomplishing with their leadership and guidance."
 
Not only did 2018 see a record number of wins and tremendous team success, nine players received all-conference accolades, including five freshmen. With the addition of assistant coach Erin Abbott, sophomore Riley McClure earned GLIAC Defender of the Year laurels. Lauryn Hardoy was also tabbed the conference's top rookie of the season after totaling 90 points as a freshman attacker.
 
Nearly every single-season record, as well as career totals, were broken this season, as Anna Rulapaugh now tops the list in points, goals, and assists. Rulapaugh was the lone senior to graduate this year.
 
The season was capped with a trip to the NCAA Midwest regional, which saw the Greyhounds succumb to the now-semifinal-bound Regis Rangers. UIndy defeated Regis, 12-11, earlier this season. The Hounds also defeated Grand Valley State (No. 13), McKendree (No. 21), and Tiffin (No. 23 and No. 25).
 
"This past season was very special," Delaney said. "I know I speak for the entire team that we are eager to build off of the success we had in just our third season and will continue to prove people wrong that continue to doubt us."
 
Delaney became the assistant coach of the women's lacrosse program ahead of the 2017 campaign before becoming the interim head coach prior to this past season. He graduated from Seton Hill University in 2013 after being named an All-American three times in his career, including USILA Midfielder of the Year twice.
 
"I am so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue the journey of building a national championship program here at UIndy."