Pearl River Girls Lacrosse Coach Mayernik Retiring After 2013 Season

Laurie Mayernik decided the 2013 season would be her last Pearl River's varsity girls lacrosse coach a long time ago, but she still catches herself forgetting when she thinks about the future of the program. 

"At one point, I was thinking for next year we can...oh. There is no next year," Mayernik said.

This will be Mayernik's 15th season coaching the Pirates. She said she told Director of Athletics Todd Santabarbara and others of her decision a year ago. 

"It's something I've known for a while," Mayernik said. "They've known, too. I've said from the beginning, when Jess goes, I go."

Jess is Mayernik's daughter, a senior attacker who is one of the Pirates' team captains this season. Laurie Mayernik's son, Joe, is on the boys varsity at Pearl River as a sophomore.

"I've been coaching my daughter for four years now," Laurie Mayernik said. "Now my son is playing varsity at Pearl River. It's time to watch him play and be his mom."

Not that the prospect of not coaching next season is an easy one for the veteran coach to deal with.

"It's tough, but once you make the decision, it's easier," Mayernik said. "I'm really excited to be able to watch my son play. Don't get me wrong. I will be at all of the girls lacrosse games (next season)."

For now, Mayernik is focused on the upcoming season. Pearl River returns a veteran team after reaching the Section 1 semifinals a year ago, having lost just four seniors to graduation.

This is the latest in a series of departures by successful, long-time coaches of Pearl River girls sports teams. Dan Doherty cut back to only being the head coach in cross country after the better part of 30 years coaching indoor and outdoor track and field as well, though he is still a volunteer assistant with both teams. Earlier this month, Lorraine Moylan retired after 20 seasons as Pearl River's girls basketball coach. Mike Carlacci stepped down as the Pirates' softball coach in January. 

Editor's note: Check back with Patch for a full preview on the Pearl River girls lacrosse team.