Sierra Slack ’18 returned to Occidental this spring as the new head lacrosse coach with valuable coaching experience and, according to Slack, big ambitions to win SCIAC and compete in the NCAA tournament. As a four-year starter and two-year captain for Occidental’s lacrosse team, Slack set the college’s all-time points record of 283 points. Slack said her player-forward approach is reinforced by her experience as a student-athlete here at Occidental.
Before taking up the role of head lacrosse coach at Occidental, Slack worked as an assistant lacrosse coach at Occidental for two years and as the head coach for the Fairleigh Dickinson University Devils in her native New Jersey.
“I think during my time at FDU I was pretty lucky that I had a lot of playoff experience and bringing that competitiveness and post-season drive and experience is something I’m really looking forward to bringing to Oxy,” Slack said. “Keeping the love of the game at the forefront while still competing at a high level and finding that balance between individual and team growth throughout the year is something that I was able to develop last year.”
According to defender Peyton Mellman (junior), Slack’s approach is appreciated by the lacrosse team.
“I think it’s unique that she went to this school because she has insider knowledge about the teams we play and I think she understands what it means to be a student and an athlete,” Mellman said. “So, she lets us prioritize lacrosse but is also very understanding of academics. It’s a great balance and we’ve been doing a lot of mental health talks which I think is a beneficial use of time.”
Attacker Ella Acker (junior) said she especially appreciates Slack’s great communication and words of encouragement both on and off the field, as it sets high standards for the team.
“But because of that she holds herself and us to a very high standard, but I think it’s because she respects us and the work that we’re going to put in. She expects so much from us in a really positive way that pushes everyone but at the same time if you’re sick, she wants you to take care of yourself, if you’re injured, she wants you to prioritize yourself,” Acker said. “I think that’s something that especially in women’s athletics or athletics in general many people struggle to say, ‘Oh I need to stop and think about the long term’ and she’s really good about making sure we know to put our bodies first.”
Slack said that she is reflecting on her journey to becoming a coach.
“I think having the opportunity to be a guide and mentor to young women who are in a really formative time in their lives. Guiding student athletes through that and seeing their development, not only on the field but as people as they go through these four years is something that is really rewarding.”
Assistant coach Boz Crowther, who also has experience coaching men’s and women’s lacrosse, said he has high praise for Slack, especially on her ability to connect with the players.
“It’s great the players all love CC, I think she’s fantastic. She’s a natural coach and the kids definitely vibe with her,” Crowther said. “She’s 27. I’m 57. I don’t understand Instagram, I don’t use it and it’s hugely important for recruiting and day-to-day communications. Because of her age, CC is definitely more somebody that they can identify with.”
Slack said that she has big goals for the lacrosse team.
“Taking us into the next area where I hope to achieve all the team goals I had as a student-athlete, that I just didn’t get done,” Slack said. “So, things like the SCIAC championship and making impacts in the NCAA’s. That is all stuff that really excites me about getting back. My dad used to always say he’ll bring a huge bus if we make it to the East Coast on NCAA’s so that always been a big goal of mine to have us travel at that point.”
According to Slack, the return to Occidental was prompted by the community she felt here.
“I think Oxy is such a people-centered and care-forward place,” Slack said. “I felt really supported here as a student-athlete and I feel the same if not tenfold here in the athletics department. My office neighbors are always open to bounce ideas off or give advice or lend a helping hand, and I think that’s kind of something you find across the board here at Oxy.”
Acker said that Slack’s player focused approach to coaching is popular with the lacrosse team.
“I think that because she has experience being a student-athlete she knows how multifaceted it is,” Acker said. “So, you need to be able to balance school, you need to balance food, you need to balance being an athlete. All those different aspects are really considered in her work ethic and coaching style and everything and that’s really appreciated by us I think because she knows the necessary parts that it takes to be a student-athlete.”
According to Slack, Director of Athletics Shanda Ness has gone above and beyond to be a great leader and mentor, especially helping with the administrative side of being a coach.
“I feel really lucky — I think I’m in a unique position where I experienced life here as a student-athlete, so I let that guide me in not only the atmosphere I create for my student-athletes but my conversations with recruits,” Slack said. “Having a deep history of this program and this team I think gives me a great advantage in that sense.”
Contact Theo Wilton at Twilton@oxy.edu
