University of Dallas announces Melissa Grant as Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas Athletics Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Melissa Grant as women's lacrosse head coach. 

Grant, who has been involved with various aspects of women's lacrosse over the past eight years, was a two-year captain and two-time most valuable player for the University of Oklahoma (OU).  

Apart from playing lacrosse for OU in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons, Grant served as the club's temporary head coach during fall 2011 while recovering from injury.  

In this position, she learned the intricacies of team management and budgeting, in addition to those associated with planning recruiting events and community service activities. 

A three-time Dean's List honoree at OU, Grant graduated May 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Criminology, while earning a minor in Anthropology.

Involved within a number of organizations at OU, Grant was a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society, Criminology Club, Delta Gamma Sorority, and served on staff at the Sooner Awakening Catholic Retreat. 

Participating in Relay for Life, Grant also volunteered at the Oklahoma League for the Blind Sight Convention, and the Edmond (Okla.) Girl's Lacrosse Clinic. 

She played high school lacrosse in Dallas, Texas, at Ursuline Academy, and was named to North Division Team Texas in the 2006 season. 

Grant takes over for Will Oakley, who announced on Mar. 27, 2012, he would resign following the 2012 campaign, as his wife was accepted into dental school in Richmond, Va.

In four seasons coaching the Lady Crusaders, Oakley possessed a 12-44 record, and to his credit helped the 2011 squad reach the five-win plateau and a .333 winning percentage; both are single-season school records.