DETROIT (9/26/2024) -- The University of Detroit Mercy women's lacrosse team has been busy at practice and today, head coach Alexa Matta announced the addition of two coaches in Nakeeya McCardell and alum Cecelia Vergara.

McCardell will be the assistant coach and defensive coordinator, while Vergara will serve as the graduate assistant.

McCardell gained coaching experience with Grit Lacrosse and Tenacity, club programs in her hometown of Houston, Texas. She has also been a coach and administrator for AK Unlimited Lacrosse Camp in South Carolina.

"I am thrilled to welcome Nakeeya to the team!" said Matta. "With her impressive background, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that perfectly aligns with our vision. Her dedication and work ethic are exactly what we were looking for, and I'm excited to collaborate with her as we strive to elevate our program to new heights!" 

She was a standout collegiate student-athlete at Oregon and Clemson from 2021-2024. She played in 66 career games - starting 62 - and tallied 23 points on 17 goals and six assists to go with 79 ground balls, 60 caused turnovers and 46 draw controls.

"I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to coach alongside coach Matta," said McCardell. "It is an opportunity to lead by example and make an impact both on and off the field. As a first-year coach, I'm thrilled to bring fresh energy and a passion for growth to this program." 

McCardell started her career with the Ducks as a two-way midfielder and finished fourth on the team with 13 goals, while collecting a career-high 24 ground balls, 17 takeaways and 17 draw controls as a freshman before pulling down a career-best 28 draws with three goals, 17 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers as a sophomore. She then transferred to the Tigers and was a defensive midfielder, registering 21 GB's and 15 CT's as a junior to earn IWLCA All-Region Second Team honors and posted 17 ground balls with 16 caused turnovers and two points as a senior.

Vergara was a four-year letterwinner at UDM from 2021-24, where she played in 50 games and tallied 32 draw controls, 18 ground balls, eight caused turnovers, and nine points on seven goals and four assists.

"I am thrilled to have Cece on staff. She has so much passion and love for this program and wants to help push it to a new level," said coach Matta. 

The midfielder was a three-time MAC All-Academic team honoree and also represented Puerto Rico in the PALA Sixes Cup as a senior.

"I am super excited to be a part of the coaching staff at Detroit Mercy!" said Vergara. "I'm excited to work with coach Matta and coach McCardell and help grow the program in a positive direction."