Field Hockey
- Title:
- Volunteer Assistant Coach
- Email:
- liskal@wfu.edu
Liska, whose maiden name is Crandall, returns home to Winston-Salem in 2021 after a decorated collegiate career in the Old Gold and Black, as well as a multitude of accomplishments across many years at the national level with United States Field Hockey.
"As a former national champion, World Cup player and three-time Olympian, Lauren needs no introduction," said Averill. "She is a very accomplished alum who will add great value and insight to the program. We are honored that she is willing to share her hockey knowledge and professional experience with us. With three olympians on our staff, I'm going to try and not get in their way!"
"I am excited to get involved with our Wake Forest Hockey family and attempt to give back in a different capacity this year," said Liska. "Wake Forest is a place I hold dear to my heart because of the experiences and memories I had as an athlete in Jen's program and a student at the University. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with and learn from my coach, Jen, and my national teammates, Gonzo (Melissa Gonzalez) and Jackie (Kintzer Briggs). What an amazing staff to learn from! I am also very excited to connect with the players as they become part of our bigger Wake hockey family and work to leave their legacy on the field and in the locker room. I'm looking forward to it!"
A first ballot inductee into the Wake Forest Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, Liska was a member of Wake Forest’s 2003 and 2004 national championship teams. Additionally, the Doylestown, Pa. native finished her collegiate career as a three-time All-American, earning third team honors in 2004 and first team honors in 2005 and 2006. She became the first Demon Deacon to earn All-South Region honors all four years while wearing the Old Gold and Black as Liska finished her career with 38 goals.
After graduating in 2007, Liska went on to have an astounding career with the United States' national team. She is a three-time Olympian (2008, 2012, 2016), and was captain of the 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio) Olympic teams.
In addition to her trio of Olympic appearances, the hall of famer participated in one World Cup, three Pan-American Games, four Champion Challenges and one Championship Trophy tournament.
Liska joins a pair of familiar faces on staff as she reconnects with associate head coach Melissa Gonzalez and assistant coach Jackie Kintzer Briggs, who were all teammates on the national level with Team USA for six years.
