NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Wesleyan associate women's lacrosse head coach Clara Bissell was recognized by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) as a recipient of the 2026 Barb Jordan Outstanding Assistant Coach Award. The Barb Jordan Outstanding Assistant Coach award recognizes exceptional assistant coaches across all three NCAA divisions, with one recipient receiving the award in each division.
Bissell, Mitch Fenton of the University of Colorado (D1) and Carly Shisler of Maryville (D2), will be recognized at the Honors Dinner on the evening of November 19 during the 2026 IWLCA Convention in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
Bissell has played an instrumental role in establishing Wesleyan as one of the premier programs in Div. III. During her five seasons at Wesleyan, the team has competed in three NESCAC Championship games, reached the NCAA Sweet 16 three times, advanced to the Elite Eight twice, and most recently reached the NCAA Div. III Championship game during the best season in program history. In those five seasons (since 2022), Wesleyan sports a record of 79-23 while achieving a single-season team record 19 wins in the 2026 season.
"I'm incredibly honored to receive this recognition," Bissell remarked. "Thank you to the IWLCA for this award and for the work that goes into recognizing our ever-impressive coaching community year after year. Thank you to the Wesleyan women's lacrosse staff, past and present, for their trust, support, and infectious passion for what we do every day. And thank you to our women's lacrosse student-athletes, families, alumnae, and friends. You inspire me every day to be the resource you need in each moment, whatever that may look like."
As Wesleyan's defensive and goalkeeper coach, Bissell has helped build a defensive unit that consistently ranks among the nation's best. Her extensive preparation, including opponent scouting, statistical analysis, film breakdown, and defensive game planning, has been critical to the team's success. She also invests countless hours in individual player development, both on and off the field.
Beyond her on-field responsibilities, Bissell serves as Wesleyan's Recruiting Coordinator, overseeing prospective student-athlete visits and recruiting logistics. She also leads the program's Alumni Mentor Program, connecting current players with alumnae to foster mentorship, networking, and professional development. Her commitment to the coaching profession extends beyond Wesleyan through her participation in the IWLCA Aspire Program and her mentorship of younger coaches.
Head Coach Kim Williams describes Bissell as an extraordinary coach, colleague, and mentor whose impact reaches far beyond the field. "As the only other full-time coach on staff, Clara takes ownership of nearly every aspect of the program," Williams said. "She consistently steps up wherever needed. Her dedication, leadership, technical expertise, and willingness to support others have helped shape our success while making her a respected mentor and resource within the Division III coaching community."
