Karen Heggernes, a Twin Cities native and a former club player at the University of Minnesota, has been named Hamline's first women's lacrosse coach.

Prior to coming to Hamline, Heggernes had been serving as an assistant coach at Olivet College in Michigan.

Hamline will play as a club team in the 2015 season. Augsburg is the only other school in the MIAC with a lacrosse program.

"I'm thrilled. Karen was among a very talented pool of candidates for the open lacrosse position," Hamline athletic director Jason Verdugo said in a press release. "She brings a lot to the table and passion for overall student-athlete development is at the forefront of her qualities."

Heggernes played and served in many administrative roles during her four seasons with the University of Minnesota club team. In 2009-10, her senior season, she served as team captain and vice president.

In addition to her time at Olivet, Heggernes' coaching resume includes work with the Minnesota Lakers Select team, the Minneapolis Area Youth Lacrosse Association, and three seasons as a co-head coach at Holy Angels in Richfield.

She is from Woodbury and attended Cretin-Derham Hall.