SMC Athletics - Field Hockey Assistant Coaches

Jim Laskarzewski begins his 20th season as an assistant coach for the field hockey program in 2005. He assists Coach Hesler during practices and games, and is the squad's goaltender coach.

Laskarzewski began his coaching career in 1985 while an undergraduate at Saint Michael's. Initially filling the role of manager and game videographer, he also assisted the goaltender coach. A 1986 graduate of Saint Michael’s with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, "Ski" has filled a variety of roles, including keeping game statistics, team photographer, and using his EMT training to assist the athletic training staff. Eventually, Ski co-coached the "B" team for a few years until the two squads merged their practices.

Laskarzewski is employed by the State of Vermont as the Assistant Chief of Training for the Vermont Air National Guard fire department, and is also an Assistant Chief for Saint Michael’s Fire and Rescue.

Aurelia Davidson returns to the Purple Knights for her third season as an assistant coach in 2005.

Davidson (formerly Aurelia Simmons) was a three-year standout on defense for Saint Michael’s from 1997-99, playing for both Hesler and Okun. She co-captained the 1999 squad, and her sister, Jessica Simmons, played four seasons for the Purple Knights from 2000-03. Davidson graduated in 2000 with bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and psychology, and currently works for Underhill ID Elementary School.

Karen Okun enters her 15th season as an assistant coach with the Purple Knights in 2004. Okun was the head coach of the 1998 squad that finished 11-7.

Okun is a 1988 graduate of the University of Vermont, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was a three-year starter in goal for the Catamounts. She went on to earn her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Saint Michael’s in 1999 and is a student assistance program counselor for Champlain Valley Union High School.

Alexis Ressler enters her first season as a volunteer assistant coach with the Purple Knights in 2005.

Ressler is a 2003 graduate of the University of Vermont, where she played for the Division I Catamounts from 1999-2003. Ressler received several accolades during her playing career. In 2002, she was an NFHCA Northeast Regional All-America Second Team selection, was picked to the NFHCA Senior All-Star Game, and earned America East All-Conference honors. She was a two-time team defensive MVP (2001 and 2002), a three-time National Academic selection (1999-2001), and a four-time America East Academic Honor Roll member (1999-2002).

For more information please contact the SMC Sports Information Office at (802) 654-2537
Last Revised: October 25, 2002