Sun Devil Lacrosse Head Coach Tim McCormack announced the addition of former University of Rutgers assistant coach and 2016 Tewaaraton Award Finalist Nicole Graziano to the coaching staff in July of 2019.
In an abbreviated first season on Coach McCormack's first staff as Head Coach of the Sun Devil Lacrosse program, Graziano helped build a winning culture that the new coaches are attempting to establish in Tempe. She was a big part of organizing the high-powered offense relying on a balanced attack featuring multiple scoring threats that helped Arizona State get off to a 5-3 start before the season was cut short. Fans got a glimpse of the fast-paced, up-tempo style that the coaching staff wants the program to be known for. With her experience as an All-American attacker giving her a unique perspective on how to best attack opposing defenses, Graziano was integral in installing the new offense.
The offense saw a considerable jump in production compared to last season, thriving under the direction of the new coaching staff. Through eight games, Arizona State scored at least 18 goals four different times, a feat they accomplished only twice last season. Graziano's attention to detail helped Arizona State create advantages, allowing them to score 16 or more goals in six of their eight games. The Sun Devils were the highest scoring offense in the Pac-12 conference and the 12th-best in the country, averaging 16.38 goals/game. As a result of a balanced attack that featured multiple dangerous scoring options, the Maroon & Gold averaged the third-most assist/game in the country (9.5). In a historic victory over Detroit in only the second game of the new tenure, the Sun Devils scored 24 goals with 13 different goal scored, both representing new program records. Additionally, the 18-goal margin of victory (24-6) matched a program-high.
Graziano and the new coaching staff managed to utilize the skill sets of several standout individuals perfectly, as Kerri Clayton and Emily Glagolev excelled in the new system. Clayton was unstoppable during the eight-game run, racking up 41 points (29 goals & 12 assists). She recorded a hat trick in each of her first seven games, proving why she was considered one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the country. Glagolev was the main facilitator, operating the offense at a high level. She dished out an incredible 24 assists in only eight games, the third-best mark in the country. She added 13 goals to give her 37 points, ranking in the Top-20 nationally (19th) along with teammate Kerri Clayton (14th). The attackers excelled under the tutelage of Coach Graziano. Thanks to the recruiting efforts of Coach Graziano, Sun Devil Lacrosse continues to add to an already talented roster, bringing in a highly-touted recruiting class with several instant impact players. With significant progress made in all aspects of the game during the first season under the new coaching staff, Sun Devil fans have a lot to be excited about as it relates to the lacrosse program.
Graziano arrived at Arizona State after spending three seasons at the University of Rutgers, where she served as an assistant coach. She brought an impressive resume with her to Tempe, having gained experience at the highest level as both a coach and player.
"I am extremely excited to welcome Nicole to the Sun Devil Lacrosse family," Coach McCormack stated. "Her passion and energy for the game is second to none, and will immediately have a tremendous impact for us."
During her three years as part of the coaching staff at Rutgers, she assisted in all areas of the women's lacrosse program, including recruiting, coaching and developing student-athletes along with coordinating team travel. She specifically worked with the draw takers and offensive personnel in skill development and overall team concepts.
"I am honored and humbled to be the new assistant coach at Arizona State University," Coach Graziano remarked after the hiring was made official. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to build a nationally competitive program in Tempe."
She was a part of a quick turnaround in her first season on Head Coach Laura Brand Sias' staff, as the 2017 team improved their record by two wins from the previous year in the extremely competitive Big Ten Conference. During her time in charge of the offense, the Scarlet Knights reached double-digit goals 25 different times. Rutgers managed to knock off several nationally-prominent opponents during Graziano's tenure, most notably collecting wins over James Madison and Michigan.
"I would like to thank Coach McCormack and the administration for this amazing opportunity, and thank Laura Brand Sias for her mentorship over the past three years," Graziano said.
Graziano managed to recruit and had the opportunity coach several extremely talented players while in New Brunswick. In 2019, midfielder Samantha Budd emerged and took home Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (March 26th) while attacker freshman Marin Hartshorn twice was selected Big Ten Rookie of the Week. In addition, attacker Taralyn Naslonski and Samantha Budd were named to the Preseason Big Ten Conference Players to Watch prior to the 2019 season. During the 2018 season, Naslonski was a two-time Big Ten Rookie of the Week selection while Budd was tabbed as a Preseason Player to Watch in the conference.
While her background led her to mostly working with the attacking unit, Graziano brings plenty of knowledge in several aspects of the game, as she excelled in the midfield during her playing career at the University of Florida.
"Nicole brings great knowledge on both sides of the ball and will help us succeed in all areas," Coach McCormack added. "She is a great mentor for young women and will help create a winning culture."
While at the University of Florida from 2012-16, Graziano made an impact on the lacrosse program, leaving as one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. A 2016 Tewaaraton Award finalist and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-American, Graziano was among the top players in the nation during her five-year career. She was twice named All-Conference as well as being named the 2016 Big East Midfielder of the Year.
A model of consistency, Graziano tallied at least 21 points in all four seasons played at Florida. She saved her best season for last, as she finished with 44 goals and 17 assists (61 points), 31 ground balls, 22 caused turnovers, and 45 draw controls during a productive senior season in 2016. Her all-around dominance allowed her to become one of five finalists for the 2016 Tewaaraton Award, handed out to the best overall player in collegiate women's lacrosse. Considered a team leader, Graziano was a two-time captain at Florida.
She was just as successful off the field as she was on it, being named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll four different times. The Mendham, N.J. native remained involved in many aspects of the Lacrosse community, working as a counselor for several lacrosse camps along the East Coast while playing at Florida. From 2010-16, she served as the head coach at STEPS Lacrosse in Chester, New Jersey, spending her summers mentoring young girls in women's lacrosse.
Graziano continues to play the game at a high level, competing as a member of the New York Fight since 2018 in the Women's Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL). She was one of 36 players selected to train as part of the 2017 U.S. Women's Lacrosse National during their preparation for the 2017 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Women's World Cup.
Graziano earned a master's degree in management at Florida in 2016 after completing her undergraduate studies in 2015 with a degree in sociology.
In an abbreviated first season on Coach McCormack's first staff as Head Coach of the Sun Devil Lacrosse program, Graziano helped build a winning culture that the new coaches are attempting to establish in Tempe. She was a big part of organizing the high-powered offense relying on a balanced attack featuring multiple scoring threats that helped Arizona State get off to a 5-3 start before the season was cut short. Fans got a glimpse of the fast-paced, up-tempo style that the coaching staff wants the program to be known for. With her experience as an All-American attacker giving her a unique perspective on how to best attack opposing defenses, Graziano was integral in installing the new offense.
The offense saw a considerable jump in production compared to last season, thriving under the direction of the new coaching staff. Through eight games, Arizona State scored at least 18 goals four different times, a feat they accomplished only twice last season. Graziano's attention to detail helped Arizona State create advantages, allowing them to score 16 or more goals in six of their eight games. The Sun Devils were the highest scoring offense in the Pac-12 conference and the 12th-best in the country, averaging 16.38 goals/game. As a result of a balanced attack that featured multiple dangerous scoring options, the Maroon & Gold averaged the third-most assist/game in the country (9.5). In a historic victory over Detroit in only the second game of the new tenure, the Sun Devils scored 24 goals with 13 different goal scored, both representing new program records. Additionally, the 18-goal margin of victory (24-6) matched a program-high.
Graziano and the new coaching staff managed to utilize the skill sets of several standout individuals perfectly, as Kerri Clayton and Emily Glagolev excelled in the new system. Clayton was unstoppable during the eight-game run, racking up 41 points (29 goals & 12 assists). She recorded a hat trick in each of her first seven games, proving why she was considered one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the country. Glagolev was the main facilitator, operating the offense at a high level. She dished out an incredible 24 assists in only eight games, the third-best mark in the country. She added 13 goals to give her 37 points, ranking in the Top-20 nationally (19th) along with teammate Kerri Clayton (14th). The attackers excelled under the tutelage of Coach Graziano. Thanks to the recruiting efforts of Coach Graziano, Sun Devil Lacrosse continues to add to an already talented roster, bringing in a highly-touted recruiting class with several instant impact players. With significant progress made in all aspects of the game during the first season under the new coaching staff, Sun Devil fans have a lot to be excited about as it relates to the lacrosse program.
Graziano arrived at Arizona State after spending three seasons at the University of Rutgers, where she served as an assistant coach. She brought an impressive resume with her to Tempe, having gained experience at the highest level as both a coach and player.
"I am extremely excited to welcome Nicole to the Sun Devil Lacrosse family," Coach McCormack stated. "Her passion and energy for the game is second to none, and will immediately have a tremendous impact for us."
During her three years as part of the coaching staff at Rutgers, she assisted in all areas of the women's lacrosse program, including recruiting, coaching and developing student-athletes along with coordinating team travel. She specifically worked with the draw takers and offensive personnel in skill development and overall team concepts.
"I am honored and humbled to be the new assistant coach at Arizona State University," Coach Graziano remarked after the hiring was made official. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to build a nationally competitive program in Tempe."
She was a part of a quick turnaround in her first season on Head Coach Laura Brand Sias' staff, as the 2017 team improved their record by two wins from the previous year in the extremely competitive Big Ten Conference. During her time in charge of the offense, the Scarlet Knights reached double-digit goals 25 different times. Rutgers managed to knock off several nationally-prominent opponents during Graziano's tenure, most notably collecting wins over James Madison and Michigan.
"I would like to thank Coach McCormack and the administration for this amazing opportunity, and thank Laura Brand Sias for her mentorship over the past three years," Graziano said.
Graziano managed to recruit and had the opportunity coach several extremely talented players while in New Brunswick. In 2019, midfielder Samantha Budd emerged and took home Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors (March 26th) while attacker freshman Marin Hartshorn twice was selected Big Ten Rookie of the Week. In addition, attacker Taralyn Naslonski and Samantha Budd were named to the Preseason Big Ten Conference Players to Watch prior to the 2019 season. During the 2018 season, Naslonski was a two-time Big Ten Rookie of the Week selection while Budd was tabbed as a Preseason Player to Watch in the conference.
While her background led her to mostly working with the attacking unit, Graziano brings plenty of knowledge in several aspects of the game, as she excelled in the midfield during her playing career at the University of Florida.
"Nicole brings great knowledge on both sides of the ball and will help us succeed in all areas," Coach McCormack added. "She is a great mentor for young women and will help create a winning culture."
While at the University of Florida from 2012-16, Graziano made an impact on the lacrosse program, leaving as one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. A 2016 Tewaaraton Award finalist and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-American, Graziano was among the top players in the nation during her five-year career. She was twice named All-Conference as well as being named the 2016 Big East Midfielder of the Year.
A model of consistency, Graziano tallied at least 21 points in all four seasons played at Florida. She saved her best season for last, as she finished with 44 goals and 17 assists (61 points), 31 ground balls, 22 caused turnovers, and 45 draw controls during a productive senior season in 2016. Her all-around dominance allowed her to become one of five finalists for the 2016 Tewaaraton Award, handed out to the best overall player in collegiate women's lacrosse. Considered a team leader, Graziano was a two-time captain at Florida.
She was just as successful off the field as she was on it, being named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll four different times. The Mendham, N.J. native remained involved in many aspects of the Lacrosse community, working as a counselor for several lacrosse camps along the East Coast while playing at Florida. From 2010-16, she served as the head coach at STEPS Lacrosse in Chester, New Jersey, spending her summers mentoring young girls in women's lacrosse.
Graziano continues to play the game at a high level, competing as a member of the New York Fight since 2018 in the Women's Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL). She was one of 36 players selected to train as part of the 2017 U.S. Women's Lacrosse National during their preparation for the 2017 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Women's World Cup.
Graziano earned a master's degree in management at Florida in 2016 after completing her undergraduate studies in 2015 with a degree in sociology.