Recently, the NMU women’s lacrosse team hired Elizabeth Forbes as a new assistant coach. Forbes played her collegiate lacrosse years at Wartburg College where she played multiple positions and played in 43 games. During her senior year at Wartburg she volunteered in the athletic department along with the women’s lacrosse team, where she did some scouting reports and improved the scouting network in the Midwest.
“Coach LeMay had come to me with the idea of working alongside her this past summer, having her as a coach at Wartburg, I immediately said yes because I knew that she would be able to do great things at Northern Michigan,” Forbes said.
Coach Lindsey LeMay talked about the hiring of Forbes, saying she not only impressed in the interview stage but talked about Forbes’s and her connections in the midwest recruiting world. Forbes was also coached by LeMay her senior year of college at Wartburg College.
“Forbes really impressed during the interview process, she has excellent connections in the midwest lacrosse world, as well as unique experience in what it takes to get a new program off the ground. I also was fortunate enough to coach her during her senior year of college, So I’ve seen her work ethic and leadership ability first hand.” LeMay said
Forbes has not been able to see her team practice or compete in a game yet, she has only been able to hear about the team from LeMay.
“Just from the film I’ve seen and what LeMay has said about the team, I can tell that this is a very dedicated group that will definitely make an impact in the conference this season. This group has worked very hard during the off season, and it shows.” Forbes said
LeMay talked about what she believes Forbes can bring to the team, talking about her energy and her positive attitude. LeMay talked about how she is open to hearing out Forbes and Forbes’s ideas.
“She will bring an energy level and positivity that will work cohesively with my own coaching style. She’ll also bring new ideas and lacrosse strategies that will help this program continue to grow.” LeMay said
Forbes talked about what she is looking forward to the most, talking about COVID-19 affecting the last season and how the athletes are going to be over prepared and ready to go out there and compete.
“I am really excited to get into the season, with Covid taking away last season I know that a lot of students are ready to get out there and play and I can’t wait to see that fire come out.” Fobes said
Forbes also went on to talk about her goals here at NMU.
“The program is still very new going into its 5th season, and I believe that that can be a huge advantage. The team is still making a name for itself, and we as a program get to set a standard and make a name for NMU lacrosse,” Forbes said.
Forbes then went on to talk about the challenges she might face, saying she didn’t want to change too much of the program by coming in and bringing all these ideas with her.
“I think Coming into a new program can be difficult with trying to find the balance of bringing in new ideas without trying to change everything in the program.” Forbes said.
LeMay also talked about the goals she has for Forbes in the upcoming season.
“My goal for her is to help me build a sustainable culture of success at Northern Michigan. From what I’ve seen in my short time in the coaching world, the best way to improve in this career path is to learn what it takes to win in your program’s particular situation, and then learn how to do it year after year. If we achieve that goal, many doors will open for her down the road.”
The future is bright for this young Wildcat Lacrosse team, along with their new assistant coach, Elizabeth Forbes. As they begin to prepare for their upcoming season after last season being canceled.
