Head women's lacrosse coach Mackenzie Lawler has announced the hiring of recent Grand Valley State alum, Anna Gritter, as a graduate assistant coach. 

Gritter was a standout defender for the Lakers during her career from 2017-2021. After using her additional year of eligibility to compete for her fifth and final season, she is now returning to the program in a new role. 

"I am thrilled to welcome Anna Gritter to our coaching staff for the upcoming season," said Lawler. "Anna is an incredible example of what it means to be a Laker and has been a positive role model in our program on and off the field since my arrival as a head coach. Her dedication to this program was proven with her decision to come back after COVID canceled the 2020 season and pursue her MBA. In this extra year, Anna developed as a leader and was a defensive force. She will be a great liaison between our staff and the team and I look forward to what she can bring to our team in this new role."

Last season, Gritter was recognized as a IWLCA second team All-American,first team All-GLIAC honoree, GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year, and was a two-time GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week. The All-American helped lead the Lakers to a 50-21 record with three regular season GLIAC Championship titles and one GLIAC Tournament Championship title during her career.  

"I am so unbelievably excited to continue my journey as a Laker in a new role on the coaching staff," said Gritter. "This program has meant the world to me the past five years as a player and I want to thank Mackenzie for giving me the opportunity to continue to be a part in this team's growth and success as the graduate assistant coach. I am so eager to get started and cannot wait to see what this group accomplishes in the 2021-2022 season." 

Gritter studied sports management as an undergraduate and is now pursuing her Master's in Business Administration.