Born: 1980 (Adelaide, South Australia)
Biography:
Jen Adams (born 1980) is an accomplished lacrosse player, coach, and a prominent figure in women’s sports. Known for her exceptional skills and leadership on the field, she has made significant contributions to the sport and has left a lasting impact on women’s lacrosse.
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Adams began her lacrosse career with the Brighton Lacrosse Club. At the young age of 15, she represented Australia in the U19 World Championship-winning team of 1995, showcasing her talent and potential early on. As she continued to develop and excel in the sport, Adams rose to prominence as one of the best lacrosse players of her generation.
Adams’ collegiate career at the University of Maryland from 1998 to 2001 solidified her place in lacrosse history. Playing for the Terrapins, she helped lead the team to four consecutive national titles, including an undefeated season in 1999 and a perfect 23-0 record in 2001. Under the coaching of Cindy Timchal, Maryland achieved an unprecedented seven national titles in a row from 1995 to 2001. Adams’ exceptional performance in the 2000 NCAA Lacrosse Championship game, where she contributed five goals and five assists, propelled her team to a resounding 16-8 victory over Princeton.
During her time at Maryland, Adams’s talents were widely recognized, and she became the first-ever recipient of the Honda Award for women’s lacrosse, an honor bestowed upon the top player in Division I schools. Her outstanding achievements and contributions on the field earned her the distinction of being one of the most decorated lacrosse players in NCAA history.
On the international stage, Adams represented Australia at both the U19 and senior levels. In 2005, she captained the Australian team to victory in the Women’s Lacrosse World Cup, showcasing her leadership skills and ability to perform under pressure. She continued to play at the highest level, contributing to the Australian team’s campaign in the 2009 Women’s Lacrosse World Cup held in Prague.
Adams’s impact extended beyond her playing days. Following her successful playing career, she transitioned into coaching, bringing her expertise and passion to develop future generations of lacrosse players. After serving as an assistant coach at Denver University and the University of Maryland, Adams was appointed as the head coach of the women’s lacrosse team at Loyola University Maryland in 2008.
Under Adams’s guidance, the Loyola Greyhounds experienced success both on and off the field. Her coaching prowess led the team to victories over top 20 teams Georgetown and Cornell in 2009, positioning Loyola as a competitive force in the Big East conference. Adams’s leadership, knowledge, and dedication have had a lasting impact on the athletes she has coached, inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Awards:
– Honda Award for women’s lacrosse (2001)
– Tewaaraton Trophy for the nation’s top player (2001)
– Four-time national champion with the University of Maryland (1998-2001)
– Captain of the Australian Women’s Lacrosse World Cup-winning team (2005)