OSHAWA, Ont. – Ontario Tech Ridgebacks lacrosse coach Liane Chornobay made history this season, leading the team to a program-best silver medal with an all-women coaching staff.

Chornobay, who has been with the program since it's inception, emphasized the importance of her coaching staff in shaping the team's success. This year, she was joined by assistant coaches Tessa Lam and Morgan Reader on the sidelines. She believes that an all-women coaching team creates a dynamic where players can relate to shared experiences and challenges, fostering a strong sense of support and understanding.

"I am hopeful this has been a benefit to our team," said Chornobay. "It always comes down to having the right people for the role. We each bring a wealth of playing and coaching experience, training and expertise, as well as passion for the game.

"We collaborate on every team decision and share the same vision and energy for the team," said Chornobay. "I feel lucky to be part of such a strong coaching staff. I have also been lucky to have so many female role models to look up to over the years – former and fellow coaches, umpires and players – too many to count!"

The Ridgebacks' 2024 season was filled with highlights as the team finished with a program best silver medal at the OUA Championship, but one of Chornobay's favourite moments came in the playoffs when the team secured an undefeated record in their pool with a 10-9 win over the Western Mustangs. The win was a defining moment for the squad, who had come full circle from a season-opening loss against Western.

"The sideline was going wild during the final seconds," Chornobay said. "To see how far the team came in two months to win such a big game was such a happy and surreal moment."

The Ridgebacks' success was built on a foundation of teamwork and camaraderie. Chornobay described this year's group as "incredible," highlighting their resilience and strong bond throughout the highs and lows of the season.

"They were up for anything and supported each other along the way with such positive and resilient energy," she said. "They not only built their skills and won big games, but they also built strong friendships."

Following the Ridgebacks' best-ever finish, Chornobay is confident the program is poised for even greater success in the future.

"The sky is the limit," she said. "Our foundation is strong, and the momentum we gained this season will only propel us forward. I truly believe this is just the beginning of something big for Ridgebacks lacrosse."