Progrums

Gridiron Royalty Joins Penn State’s Lacrosse Coaching Ranks

The Penn State women’s lacrosse program has tapped Mallory Hasselbeck—daughter of former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and top recruit—to join its coaching staff. A national champion at Boston College and standout transfer at Stanford, Hasselbeck brings elite playing experience and a legacy of athletic excellence to Happy Valley. At BC, she overcame injury during the 2024 championship season and returned strong in 2025. Her 2026 campaign at Stanford produced career highs in goals (25), assists (25) and points (50), including a first-round NCAA Tournament victory over Penn State. Coach Kayla Treanor praised her humility, work ethic and championship pedigree, while Mallory expressed excitement to help lead the Nittany Lions to new heights.

Move over chalkboard diagrams—Penn State’s lacrosse team is now doubling as a miniature Hall of Fame tour. Who knew that the secret to winning championships involved hiring the coach who once threw a football better than most lacrosse sticks handle shots? Mallory Hasselbeck’s arrival brings all the gridiron glamour without any of pesky NFL rulebooks—just long poles and shooting arcs. Meanwhile, the rest of the coaching staff is frantically Googling “offensive zones vs. defensive zones” to keep up. Expect Penn State’s next big recruitment pitch to read: “Join us—because your family tree doesn’t embarrass us!”