This again, is why Ktrain will attract quality recruits
Definition of a Rising Star
Kayla Treanor at her introductory press conference
It's hard to believe that Treanor was a player for Syracuse just five years ago. Given that she was a four-time All-American and 2nd leading scorer all-time for the Orange it really shouldn't come as a shock that she's ascended so quickly through the ranks. She's been a part of 7 out of the last 8 Final Fours combining her time as a player and coach. In short, everywhere she goes she wins, including as an assistant coach for Boston College when they beat SU at the national title game Memorial Day Weekend.
This hire required vision, John Wildhack showed it.
There were other candidates that were head coaches in their own right and to their credit well-proven in those positions. But you couldn't hold the fact that Kayla wasn't a head coach yet, at just 27, against her. You have to look big picture, Treanor can be an even more impactful coach as she was a player, believe it or not. She helped turn Boston College into a national power and now hopes to get Syracuse their first title.
Relatability
GUILDFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Kayla Treanor of USA shoots and scores as Laura Merrifield (R) of England looks on during the semi-final match between England and USA during the 2017 FIL Rathbones Women's Lacrosse World Cup at Surrey Sports Park on July 20, 2017 in Guildford, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Kayla Treanor can still bring it.
I remember interviewing Orange Women's Lacrosse players when their coach Gary Gait was still playing professionally and coaching them at the same time, those players said there was a respect and relatability there because of it.
Kayla is a highly visible player in the game on the world stage as you see in the photo above.
That goes a long way on the recruiting trail and in the team huddle. You trust the game plan, you trust that time out because Kayla is one of the best to ever play and still does so.
Relatability on the field and off it, too.
We mentioned Kayla's age at 27 and just five years out of school. That's a gamechanger in a good way because she is not far removed from being in the same college situations as her players.
She's in the Family
Hiring Kayla Treanor keeps things "in the family"
You can hardly see Kayla in that photo and by design, she is surrounded by her family and loving teammates (Kayla, for reference, is in the blue headband in the back of the huddle).
Sometimes the home run you can hit is the pitch right in front of you, that's what SU did here. It's the home run that was in the family the entire time and just waiting for her first chance.
Treanor had the support of Orange alumni including Alyssa Murray Cometti who started an online petition in support of Treanor.
SU did their diligence but didn't have to go far to find its leader for the foreseeable future.
SU introduces Kayla Treanor as new head coach
