DENVER -- Abby Burbank, head field hockey and women's lacrosse coach at Plymouth (N.H.) State College for the past two seasons, has been named head women's lacrosse coach at the University of Denver, Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. M. Dianne Murphy announced today.

Burbank comes to Denver after completing the most successful lacrosse season in Plymouth State history. The Panthers qualified for the NCAA Division III Lacrosse Championships for the first time in school history after posting a school-record 15 wins and going undefeated (7-0) in the New England Women's Lacrosse Alliance (NEWLA). Burbank was named NEWLA coach of the year for her efforts. She completes her Plymouth tenure with a two-year record of 27-9 (.750) and a perfect 12-0 conference record.

"Our search committee was very impressed with Abby's dedication to coaching and teaching," said Associate Athletics Director Ron Grahame. "She detailed her goals and expectations for our student-athletes which will facilitate the continued growth and development of women's lacrosse at the University of Denver."

Prior to her tenure at Plymouth, Burbank spent a four-year stint (1994-98) as an assistant coach at William and Mary, a perennial top-10 women's lacrosse powerhouse. In addition to her coaching duties at her past two positions, she has also served as an instructor in kinesiology, physical education and recreation.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to come to Denver and work with such a quality program," said Burbank. "The progress that the University has made in the two years since moving to Division I has been significant, to say the least."

Burbank is a 1988 graduate of Williams College, where she played varsity basketball and lacrosse. She earned a Master's degree in Exercise and Sports Studies from Smith College in 1994.

Burbank got her coaching career started at Landmark College in Vermont, where she coached soccer, basketball and tennis. While earning her postgraduate degree, Burbank served stints as assistant field hockey and basketball coach at Smith College, assistant basketball coach at Elms College and assistant lacrosse coach at Amherst College before moving to William and Mary.

Burbank, who begins work in Denver on August 28, replaces Deanna Blood who resigned in May to pursue other professional opportunities.