BURLINGTON, Vt. – The UVM women's lacrosse team honored one of its all-time greats at its 45th anniversary celebration of becoming a varsity program last Saturday. Vermont will host a 'Vanessa Cox Game' each season to honor the late Vanessa Cox '05. Head coach Sarah Dalton will select one player to wear Cox's No. 23 jersey.
 
RELATED LINKS
Photo Gallery: 45th Anniversary Celebration
 
"It is important to me that our current team and future student-athletes learn about the history and traditions of UVM women's lacrosse," Dalton said. "We have had teams and individuals accomplish great things during their time at UVM. Vanessa was one of those individuals who set a standard as a Catamount and left the program better than she found it. I am excited to honor her by displaying her framed jersey in the locker room as a daily reminder to those visitors of the great player she was on the field and even better person she was off it. In addition, we look forward to beginning the '#23 game' in conjunction with our spring alumni event."
 
Cox, a 2015 UVM Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, became the first player in the history of the UVM women's lacrosse program to register 50 or more points in three straight seasons. She graduated as the all-time leader in points (173) and goals (133), and ranked third among the all-time assist leaders (40). Cox was a three-time America East All-Conference honoree, including two selections to the All-America East First Team.
 
She was a two-time team captain and ranked top-five in the conference in goals per game and points per game as a senior in 2005. Cox was also a member of the Canadian National Team for two Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Cups and helped Canada win a silver medal in 2013 for its best-ever finish.
 
She was tragically killed in a car crash in February of 2015 at the age of 31.
 
"This past weekend was really special to share with alums, families, and the current team," Dalton added. "I look forward to celebrating future events with alums and our 50th anniversary in five years."
 
Vermont returns to action at top-ranked Stony Brook on Friday (March 30) at 7 p.m.