Pfeiffer University Athletics has announced that Tucker Nelson has assumed the role of director of lacrosse and Julia Barbato has been selected to lead the Pfeiffer women’s lacrosse program.
Nelson, leader of the Pfeiffer men’s lacrosse program since 2020, has led the program to USA South titles in 2021, 2023 and 2024. The 2024 squad earned the first NCAA win in program history against Centre College with a 13-12 road win on May 8.
In addition to his coaching role, Nelson will assume oversight responsibility of both men’s and women’s programs, including recruiting, budgeting and game scheduling.
As the leader of the Pfeiffer men’s program, Nelson has a career record of 55-19 overall (.743).
Barbato, a 2024 Pfeiffer graduate, will take the helm as the interim head coach of the Pfeiffer women’s lacrosse program after enjoying a four-year career for the Falcons.
Over her time in The Village, Barbato started in 56 of the 58 games in which she played. She scored 153 career goals and had 73 career assists (226 points).
Her name appears prominently in the Pfeiffer record book at the top of several offensive categories, including second in career points (226), third in career assists (73), fourth in career goals (153), and 10th in career caused turnovers (74).
Barbato also stands tied with former standout and current High Point head coach Lyndsey Boswell with most points in a game with 14, a feat she achieved in 2021 when she scored eight goals and had six assists against Brevard.
Barbato earned Second Team All-USA South honors as a midfielder in 2024 and was also named to the USA South West Division Team in 2021.