Alison Valerio has been the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Washington & Jefferson College since 2013, where she has established herself as one of the most successful and respected coaches in the sport. Under her guidance, the team has reached new heights, including a historic 10-1 record and an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in 2021—the first in program history. Valerio’s leadership has earned her five Coach of the Year honors from the PAC conference, after leading the Presidents to three conference championships, solidifying her legacy at W&J.

A Geneva, NY native, Valerio’s coaching journey began after earning her master’s degree in education from Niagara University in 2010. Prior to her tenure at Washington & Jefferson, she served as an assistant coach at Niagara. Her commitment to player development extends beyond her college coaching roles; since 2012, she has been an active coach with the Pittsburgh Premier Lacrosse Club, where she has worked with various age groups and assisted with recruiting efforts.

As a player, Valerio was a standout at Niagara University, earning four consecutive MAAC All-Academic Team honors. She played a pivotal role in the team’s offense and was inducted into both Phi Alpha Theta and Pi Lambda Theta, prestigious honor societies recognizing academic excellence.

Valerio’s contributions to the lacrosse community and her unwavering dedication to the development of student-athletes have earned her widespread recognition. She is not only celebrated for her success on the field but also for her leadership and commitment to shaping the next generation of lacrosse talent.

In 2023, Valerio achieved the significant milestone of 100 career wins, a feat that was honored with a 2024 Victory Milestone Award at the IWLCA Convention. This award recognizes her consistent excellence and the profound impact she has had on her team and the lacrosse community.