NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Colleen Bourgal returns to the Christopher Newport women's lacrosse program as an assistant coach after piecing together a decorated playing career with the Captains from 2015-18.
                                                       
Bourgal, a 2018 graduate of Christopher Newport, currently serves as a third grade teacher at Riverside Elementary School. She will work alongside fellow assistant coaches Rebecca Hartrum and Catie Chess on a staff led by head coach Lisa Valentine in preparation for the 2020 season.
 
"Colleen has remained close to the program since her graduation in 2018, but I am thrilled to officially add her to our coaching staff," said Valentine, who has guided the women's lacrosse team since 2016. "As a player and team captain, Colleen was a tremendous leader that fully exemplified our program's core values on and off the field. She will serve as a wonderful role model for our student-athletes!"
 
During her four-year stint with the Captains, Bourgal appeared in 63 games while earning 49 starts. A force on the offensive side of the ball, she deposited 82 career goals while adding 27 assists. Among her highlights, she posted 11 tallies against nationally-ranked competition during her career and established the single-season program record with four man-up strikes during her freshman campaign.
 
Punctuating her career with a tremendous senior season, Bourgal scored 43 goals in 2018, including seven hat-tricks. During that run, she registered at least one goal in 18 consecutive appearances from February 21 through April 28, which equaled the eighth-longest streak in school history. The Massapequa Park, New York native eventually earned first-team All-State accolades during her final season and competed in the North-South Senior All-Star Game.
 
"On the field, Colleen has an incredible passion for the game of lacrosse and values the rich history of our sport," said Valentine. "Her vision, knowledge of the offensive end, and instructional ability will make a large impact on our team's future success."
 
Along with her work on the field, Bourgal served as a team captain during her senior season and was a member of the Capital Athletic Conference All-Academic Team for her efforts as an undergraduate English major before attaining her Master of Arts in Teaching.
 
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