AMHERST, N.Y. - Amherst native Emily Bitka has been named the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Daemen University, Vice President of Athletics Traci Murphy announced today. Bitka becomes the second head coach in the history of the program, taking the reins from Dominique Hamman who left last month to accept the head coaching position at Grand Valley State University.

"We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Emily Bitka as the next leader of our women's lacrosse program," Murphy said. "Emily has demonstrated through several assistant coaching stints that she has the knowledge and passion to make an impact in the lives of student-athletes, and that she's ready to lead a program of her own. As a Western New York native, she is already familiar with the strength of women's lacrosse in this area, and has the recruiting experience and connections that will greatly benefit Daemen University. I am excited to see Emily implement her vision and take our program to the next level." 

Bitka brings six seasons of collegiate coaching experience to Daemen where she ascends to a head coaching position for the first time. Most recently, Bitka served as an assistant coach at Seton Hill University, a fellow NCAA Division II member and affiliate of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). In her one season with the Griffins, Bitka helped the team to a 13-6 overall record, an 11-1 mark in league play which garnered a PSAC West Division title, and an NCAA tournament berth. 

Prior to her time at SHU, Bitka spent five seasons as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division III level - two at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cortland and three at Stevens Institute of Technology. At Cortland, she helped the Red Dragons earn two NCAA tournament berths and one State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC)championship, and was honored as part of the SUNYAC Coaching Staff of the Year in 2022. While at Stevens, Bitka played a role in developing the 2020 Inside Lacrosse National Player of the Year and three-time All-American, Kyra Bednarski. She also served as a member of the Athletic Department Reorganization, Student Engagement and Prospective Student-Athlete Committees, as well as being a diversity, equity and inclusion facilitator. 

"I am beyond excited to be joining the Wildcat family at Daemen," Bitka said. "I would like to thank Traci Murphy and the Daemen leadership for this amazing opportunity to lead the Daemen women's lacrosse program. I was welcomed from the moment I stepped foot on campus and cannot wait to get started back in Buffalo. As a coach, my mission has always been to inspire and empower athletes to unlock their full potential as individuals in the classroom and on the field. I'm looking forward to building relationships with each player and working alongside an exceptional coaching staff. Together, we will continue to build Team 3 towards success on and off the field." 

Bitka is a 2018 graduate of Slippery Rock University, holding a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Sport Administration from Canisius University, with an expected graduation in May 2025. 

A former collegiate student-athlete herself, Bitka began her career at the Division I level, competing for two seasons while attending SUNY Albany. After transferring to Division II-affiliated Slippery Rock, she became a two-time team captain and All-PSAC honoree. Following her senior season, Bitka earned second team All-America and first team All-Atlantic Region honors, and she was named the PSAC Player of the Year. 

Bitka prepped at Amherst Central High School, graduating in 2014 after lettering in lacrosse, soccer and ice hockey. She earned all-league, All-Western New York and All-American honors in lacrosse while leading the team to three Section VI championships. 

She takes over a Daemen program that will compete in its third season of existence this coming spring. The Wildcats return 16 players from their 2024 team, including seven of their top eight point producers. 

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT EMILY BITKA….

"I have watched Emily grow from one of the best players to ever come out of Buffalo, to my goalie coach at the club level and now I'm so proud to call her my peer as a collegiate head coach in Western New York. Her knowledge of the recruiting landscape, highly developed understanding of the game, and ability to connect with her players make her ready for this next step in her career. I think Daemen made a brilliant move bringing Coach Bitka back to Buffalo."

- Russell Allen, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Canisius University

"I am super excited for Emily as she makes this next step to becoming a head coach. Her passion and dedication to not only the sport, but to developing the student-athletes on and off the field is going to help build this program to the next level. I am looking forward to watching her grow in this next chapter and wishing her all the best."

- Dina Cifelli, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Seton Hill University

"Emily has been a dedicated assistant coach for several years, learning from some of the best in the business along the way.  She is ready for her own program and will continue to help elevate Daemen women's lacrosse.  As a coach in this conference, I am excited that Daemen has selected someone who is committed to the game and the growth of student-athletes on and off the field."

- Dawn Sachs, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Mercy University

"Emily has an extensive resumé both as a player and assistant coach, and is prepared and ready for this head coaching opportunity.  Her knowledge as a coach, intensity and passion for the profession and hometown roots make her an ideal choice to continue to grow the program at Daemen in its early years. I am excited to see all the great things she will accomplish there."

- Kelsey Van Alstyne, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, State University of New York at Cortland

 
Daemen University features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.

Follow the Daemen women's program on Twitter and Instagram at @DaemenWLAX.