The upstart Regals lacrosse program has found the right head coach to help it reach its lofty goals. MacEllen McDonough - "Mac" for short - is no stranger to building from the ground up. The East Coast native spent four years (2019-2022) helping to grow the game in Israel, where contact sports have traditionally been limited to men only, serving as both a member of the national team and director of women's lacrosse for the Israel Lacrosse Association. "I went because the sport has given me so much that I wanted to give back by helping grow it in a new area," said McDonough, who played collegiately at Jacksonville University. Of the Regals, the 27-year-old said: "They are ready and hungry for knowledge and growth, so that has been really awesome."
Here are some questions to get to know the new face of Cal Lutheran women's lacrosse:
Q. What was your first impression of Thousand Oaks?
A. Thousand Oaks is great. I like the mountain views and the people have been very warm and friendly
Q. Fellow Cal Lutheran coach who you got to know first
A. Kelli DiMuro was the first coach that I met even in my interviewing process. She has been great to get to know and so helpful when I have questions.
Q. Favorite listen on your commute to work
A. I love making playlists so I usually listen to my playlists or I will throw on "Smartless" or "Giggly Squad" podcasts for a laugh.
Q. Best movie or TV series you've seen in the last six months
A. "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" (on ABC/Hulu)
Q. Favorite pro team to root for
A. THE LAKERS!
Q. Historical figure (living or dead) you'd most like to meet
A. Kobe Bryant
Q. One thing you demand of all your players
A. Attitude and effort! The two controllables
Q. Best memory from your playing days
A. Winning silver for Team Israel in the European Championships in 2019. The community that showed up to support brought incredible energy and made me feel so much pride to be able to play for them.
Q. Favorite city/place you visited during your time competing internationally
A. Cairo, Egypt! Seeing the pyramids was insane.
Q. One thing you were surprised to learn about Israel when you were living there
A. Everyone treats everyone like family
Q. If you could attend any sporting event in the world, it would be …
A. The NBA Finals (when the Lakers make it)
Q. You're at your happiest when ________ (fill in the blank)
A. I am in nature and with my favorite people.
Q. The country or the city
A. The country
Q. Day at the beach or day in the mountains
A. Beach
Q. Dog person or cat person?
A. I like both!
Q. Monthly subscription you absolutely couldn't live without
A. My gym membership
Q. Your friends say you most resemble this famous person
A. Gal Gadot
Q. Worst injury you ever suffered as a player
A. Broke my nose twice :(
Q. Your No. 1 goal for this season of lacrosse
A. Learn from mistakes, adjust, repeat. Win or lose!
