Upper Dublin lacrosse coach Dee Cross notched win number 300 of a stellar coaching career with last week’s win over Lower Moreland. Article sponsored by Katrina Metz Borzelleca, Realtor (Photos provided courtesy of UD lacrosse)
Dee Cross doesn’t really care about numbers.
At least not as they apply to her career. Granted, the Upper Dublin coach is competitive and enjoys winning as much as the next person. And she’s certainly won plenty of games – 302 to be exact, but coaching lacrosse is about much more than that to Cross, something she learned as a young coach at Abington where she met her husband, Sumner, who was one of the boys’ lacrosse coaches.
“The girls I coached at Abington were very special to me because they taught me it was not always about the wins but about relationships and team,” Cross said. “I am still in touch with a lot of them, and we are praying for one of my players – a captain and 1999 graduate - who is battling leukemia.”
An orange bracelet with the simple message ‘Fight with Lindy’ is on the UD coach’s wrist.
During her 13 years at the helm of Abington, Cross had 90 wins.
“I am now in the position to coach some of their daughters – full circle moment,” Cross said.
Last week, the Flying Cardinals celebrated their coach’s 300th win on the team’s Senior Night win over Lower Moreland, something Cross might not have known had it not been for the meticulous record-keeping of Philly Lacrosse’s Chris Goldberg.
“I don’t think about that kind of thing – it wasn’t something I worked towards,” said Cross, who knew she needed 13 wins entering the season. “You just never know, and the team jumped out to an 11-0 start.
“It was the seniors’ night, but they made it a really special celebration for me too. They didn’t have to do that. The girls this year are just a really great group of girls who are very unselfish and just made it an extra special night.
“Through the years, it’s not me – it’s the people that work hard on the field every day.”
Cross – now in her 16th season - has led her teams to seven league titles, which included six straight SOL American Conference crowns when her four daughters – Ali, Amy, Kelly and Julie - were on the team.
“That comes from amazing players and coaching working together for a common goal,” Cross said.
Cross brought an impressive resume to the sidelines. After excelling in three sports at Norristown High School, Cross moved on to Shippensburg University where she was named AIAW Division III Field Hockey Player of the Year after leading the team to its only national championship her senior year. Upon graduation, she was hired as the assistant field hockey and assistant basketball coach at her alma mater, Norristown High School. That spring she coached lacrosse at Montgomery County Community College.
In 1987, Cross – a member of the US National team for nine years and captain of the 1989 gold medal winning World Cup team - took over the helm of Abington’s lacrosse program and was head coach there until 1999. She took over the helm of Upper Dublin’s lacrosse program in 2007, ‘retired’ in 2015 and came out of retirement one year later in 2016.
The rest is history.
The veteran coach can break down her career in three different eras of her personal life.
“The first hundred wins I got married and had four children,” Cross said. “The second hundred wins I got to coach all my girls, and in the third hundred, three of our daughters got married and I became a grandmom – we have four grandchildren with one on the way.
“It just made me reflect on it – wow, there’s been a lot of stuff that’s happened over the years.”
Cross also credits the assistant coaches she has had over the years with Kendra Finger on the sidelines with her during all three milestone wins.
“She was the head coach when I started coaching at Upper Dublin – I was her assistant,” Cross said. “My first 10 wins she was my assistant, and she was with me through 2015. Now she’s back with me again because I kind of forced her out of retirement.
“I have had a phenomenal group of coaches that have been on the sidelines with me.”
Joining Cross on her staff for the last seven years is her niece, former PW standout Katrina (Metz) Borzellica.
“I’ve been very blessed with the people that I’ve worked with, the types of teams we’ve had and the girls we’ve had,” said Cross, adding the officials to the list of those she’s met along the way. “Lacrosse is a community, and some of the current coaches I started coaching against when I was at Abington. Ellen Reilly at PW, Marie Schmucker at Hatboro-Horsham, and Pam Remmey at Upper Moreland are still competing on the sidelines.
“That is what coaching is all about – relationships, and I can’t thank God enough for giving me this amazing and rewarding opportunity.”
They said:
“Dee is not only a fantastic coach but a fantastic person. She is so knowledgeable about the sport of girls’ lacrosse. There is a mutual respect between players and coach, which as an AD is great to see. In 2024, having a coach with the stability, drive, and work ethic to be able to accomplish 300 career coaching victories is very impressive. It's something you don’t often see in high school athletics anymore, but she truly is remarkable. Congratulations Coach Cross!”
--Matt Heiland, Athletic Director, UDHS
“Coach Cross demonstrates excellence in every aspect of her life. She has been a treasure at Upper Dublin, sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge in the classroom, on the lacrosse field, and in her deep involvement in the lives of students, players, staff, and families. Congratulations on this momentous achievement which serves as a testament to her talent and selfless efforts on behalf of others.”
--Bob Schultz, Principal, UDHS
“300 wins, wow. That means one of two things, either you have been around a while or your teams are highly successful. I think in Dee’s case, it’s a combination of both. Longevity in coaching is usually a sign of success, and Dee has certainly achieved plenty of that. I know she will tell you it is nice to be blessed with quality athletes (her four daughters come to mind), but Dee is the one constant in girls’ lax here at UD, and her involvement in protecting/advancing the women’s lacrosse game here and on a national level do not go unnoticed. Congratulations on this EPIC achievement. 400 is next!”
--Bret Stover, Head Football Coach/Fan, UDHS
“This is obviously such a tremendous accomplishment, and it should be celebrated. But this is more than just 300 wins for Dee Cross, the Coach. She’s certainly the example of coaching excellence, but she’s an even better person, and it’s so wonderful to see her achieve this milestone! What Dee has done for UD Girls LAX goes beyond the number 300. You think of all the young women she’s coached (as well as taught from her years of teaching here at UD) and the impact she’s had on these young women both on and off the field - it’s hard to put into words how much she means to the entire UD Community and to me. I’m blessed to have been able to not only work with Dee for all of these years and to see all the success from her coaching, but to also call her my dear friend. She’s a really special person, and I couldn’t be more happy for her! Congrats, my friend, on 300 - “Done and Dusted”!!
-- Katie Bartosik - UDHS Athletic Trainer and Friend
Congratulations, Coach! You are truly a Class Act and this honor is well deserved! It has been an honor to coach with you for over a decade and I am glad that I will get to be on the sideline with you for this momentous occasion. In fact, Coach has brought me out of retirement from coaching on three separate occasions as that is how much I enjoy coaching with her! Coach Cross's successes have come from her hard work on and off the field and her dedication to the sport of lacrosse. Coach Cross teaches her players to respect the game and respect their opponents. Even after 300 wins, Coach still gets nervous for games and finds creative ways to motivate her players to be successful showing how much she cares for her athletes. Thank you, Coach Cross, for your leadership, inspiration and dedication not only to Upper Dublin but to the sport of women's lacrosse. Whether you get one more win or 300 more wins, please know I will always be your wingman! Congrats on your 300th!
--Kendra Finger-Assistant Girls Lacrosse Coach/Wingman
“Congratulations Coach! What an amazing accomplishment. Your love of the sport shines through as you continue to share your knowledge and passion each season. Think about how many players you have impacted throughout the years! They were lucky to have you as their leader, role model and supporter. It has been a privilege to grace your legendary sideline over the years taking down your stats and learning from the best. We are all better players, coaches, fans and teammates because of your leadership. I am so thrilled to share this special occasion in your honor. Thank you, Coach Cross, for your guidance, motivation, and unwavering dedication. This recognition is truly fitting! Congratulations on reaching the 300th milestone!”
-- Jessica Sundling - Assistant Girls Lacrosse, UDHS
“Winning lacrosse programs have been a long-standing tradition for Upper Dublin. Ensuring that legacy continued, UD hired as a teacher and coach former US World Cup lacrosse player Dee Cross. Dee has shared her knowledge, passion and love for the sport with all of her athletes. Achieving a milestone such as this reflects the character and dedication that Dee has demonstrated throughout her career.
--Hope Donnell - Former Athletic Director, UDHS
“300 wins! That is truly amazing and proves you are the legend we all know you to be. You are an inspiration to so many within the lacrosse community. I remember as a player being impressed with your coaching ability, but even more as a coach with you, I was in awe of your knowledge. The relationships you have created and helped shape the student-athletes into the people they are today are unmatched. You coach with respect, honor, and fun. I have been blessed to have you as a coach, coach with you and watch you coach. Keep kicking butt and inspiring us all!”
--Kelly Kelly- Former Assistant Coach/Mentee/Friend
“As a young player, I always viewed Dee as an idol but to be able to interact with her as an opposing coach and a colleague has been incredible. Dee is a coach that always gets the best out of her players and her program. This achievement is truly a reflection of Dee's dedication to the game of lacrosse.
--Pam Wernersbach-Head Coach Boyertown Area High School
“Congratulations, Dee, on your 300th win. I had the honor and privilege of coaching with Dee at Upper Dublin. She was a tremendous motivator as well as a wonderful role model for all her players. She set the bar high for her players and always encouraged them to leave nothing on the field. Give your all and have no regrets and refuse to lose!!! Good luck with whatever the future may hold!!”
--Linda Scott-Former Assistant Coach, UDHS
“Coach Cross has been a true inspiration for me both on and off the field. I was lucky enough to be coached by her from my early Crooked Cross Lacrosse days all the way through Upper Dublin High School Lacrosse. Later, she inspired me to coach at the middle school level and even alongside her, at Upper Dublin. Her commitment to excellence and her true competitive spirit has never gone unnoticed. She has a passion for coaching that is evident in everything she does, and I am continually inspired by her enthusiasm and drive. She is a true role model, colleague, and friend. Congratulations on 300 wins, simply amazing! Go UD!”
--Tara Galen, Former Athlete/Former JVCoach/UD Elementary Teacher
“300 Dubs, not surprised at all! Dee is such an inspiration to all of us. She works really hard on the x’s and o’s and works to develop her players to set them up for success. She truly cares for each of her players and you can see that before, during and after every practice and game. The signs on the fence could tell a million stories of her many accomplishments and highlights. Her humble approach and positive attitude have carried her through adversity and leaves an ongoing example of what it takes to be consistently excellent and a true professional. I am forever a better person, teacher and coach for knowing her the last 20 years! Congratulations Dee!
--Ed Wall, Head Baseball Coach, Assistant Football Coach/HPE Teacher, UDHS
“Dee Cross has taken her passion and success from playing lacrosse to becoming a coach that instills the same values to her players. These values produced successful seasons and players who have gone on to the collegiate level. Dee coaches her teams to play the game the right way, always valuing sportsmanship and teaching them not only the sport but also life lessons. Coach Cross was always a respected member of our coaching staff and I appreciated the countless hours she spent and her invaluable contributions she made to our student athletes and community. Congratulations on your 300th win, here’s to many more!!!
--Eric Greiner, Former Athletic Director, UDHS
“Our mom has always been a lacrosse coach. It's something that has been a major part of her identity since we were little girls. We each grew up around her Abington teams and eventually got to play for her ourselves when she took over at Upper Dublin in 2006. Not only do we have some of our best memories being coached by our mom, it has been so special to see her dedication to the hundreds of athletes she has helped grow as players and people over the years. Reaching 300 coaching wins is another incredible accomplishment in her amazing career. Congrats, Mom! We're so proud of you.
--Dee's four daughters, Ali (UD 2008), Amy (UD 2010), Kelly (UD 2012) & Julie (UD 2015)
“Congrats Dee… from the day I brought home an extra lacrosse stick for you from my seventh grade team, you put it in your hands and off you went. From player to coach, you’ve always given your best. Congrats on 300 wins.”
--Dee’s sister, Barb Metz
“I can't think of a better ambassador for the sport of women's lacrosse than Dee. She lives and breathes the sport. I loved coaching with her because of her competitive spirit and her love for the game.”
--Chris Cobb - Upper Dublin Junior Varsity coach 2020-2023
“Congratulations, Coach Cross, on your 300th Win! Such an awesome accomplishment for such a wonderful person. You have given so much of your time, heart, and energy to so many! I am so grateful to be one of those many. Mrs. Cross hasn't been my coach for well over 35+ years, but her positive influence is still with me today. I tell anyone who knows her I would not have made it through Middle School and High School without her support. Congratulations again! All the best”
--Sarah Peterman Hart
“To ‘WIN’ as a coach, is to tirelessly develop unique abilities, consistently inspire a shared vision and fiercely compete with unwavering determination. To ‘WIN’ 300 times is a testament to your commitment and resiliency through the years. You are a true ambassador for the sport of women’s lacrosse, a gift to Upper Dublin High School and a pillar of our community. May you have continued success in this and future seasons…for the love of the game!”
--Kim Schuler, Former co-worker UDHS
“It has taken a lot of years and a lot of games to get 300 wins. I’m so proud of what Dee has accomplished. Over the years the game has changed, the players have changed and even the schools have changed. But one thing has remained the same and that is Dee’s love of the game and her love for the girls she coaches. That’s what it takes to get 300 wins.”
--Dee’s husband, Sumner Cross
“Coach cross has helped me in so many aspects of my life. She helped me through the recruiting process and made me a better player on the field. Yes, on the field she is an amazing coach but how she cares for each player off the field is what separates her from the rest. She has made me a better person and helps me through any problem I might have. The best coach and one of the best people I have in my life. Everybody deserves to have a Coach Cross.
--Anna Demartile, Current UDHS player
“It has been a full circle moment these last few years getting to coach with my aunt after watching her go through world cup play, playing against her when she coached at Abington and now getting to coach with her. She lives and breathes lacrosse, is always up to date with everything, knows the big games coming up and more. She makes her student athletes not only better players, but better people. She cares deeply for them all and it has been an absolute joy standing side by side on the sideline with her these last years. What an amazing accomplishment 300 wins is – that’s a lot of student athletes lives that she has touched! Congrats Aunt Dee!”
--Katrina Borzelleca UD Assistant Varsity Coach
“Hitting the milestone of 300 wins is remarkable, but Dee's impact stretches far beyond the numbers. Her commitment to sharing her passion with others is truly admirable and will leave a lasting legacy in the sport. I feel lucky to be her life teammate!”
--Betsy Dougherty, Teammate on US National team, Former New Hope-Solebury coach
“Dee is one of the coaches who puts in the long hours, makes each player better and cares for each of her players. She is a pleasure to coach against and if I wasn’t so competitive myself, I would say it is ‘ok’ when her team beats you. Congratulations Dee! You have changed the lives of many players and you have many more years to secure the next 300 wins!”
--Kathleen Geiger, Springfield (DELCO)
“My favorite memory was when I first met Dee in 1997 when she was coaching Abington High School. She welcomed me to the woman’s lacrosse circle by introducing me to ‘tomato pie’ before our game.”
--Keith Broome, Springfield- Delco Head Coach
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