NMU Hires Sam Peterson as Lacrosse Assistant

Northern Michigan University named former Alma College standout Sam Peterson as an assistant coach for its women's lacrosse program.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Hockey

Northern Michigan University hired Sam Peterson, a former Alma College standout, as an assistant coach for its women's lacrosse program on Monday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Northern Michigan University hired Sam Peterson as an assistant coach for its women's lacrosse team on Monday. The hire was made by new head coach Adam Dobis about three months before the season opens.

Why it matters

The hire is the first assistant coaching addition Dobis has made since joining the Northern Michigan program in August. Peterson brings prior collegiate coaching experience at Alma College along with a decorated playing career.

Peterson was a two-time First Team selection in the NCAA Division III Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and finished as Alma's No. 1 assist maker. Her fifth year at Division II Northwood ended tied for the team lead with 60 points, though the report does not detail what additional roster or statistical context surrounds those totals.

The players

Northern Michigan University

A public university in Marquette, Michigan, known for its Wildcats athletic programs competing in NCAA Division II.

Alma College

A private liberal arts college in Alma, Michigan, that competes in NCAA Division III and the MIAA conference.

The details

Peterson completed a four-year playing career at Alma College, graduating in 2024, and spent one season as an assistant coach there before the NMU hire. She completed a fifth season at Division II Northwood, where she finished tied for the team lead in points.

2024: Peterson graduates from Alma College.
August: Adam Dobis joins the Northern Michigan women's lacrosse program.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Peterson is officially hired as assistant coach.

Season Trajectory

Peterson's move from the Division III MIAA at Alma to a coaching role at Northern Michigan places her within a regional pipeline where former conference players increasingly stay in the sport. The hire also reflects how new head coaches like Dobis build staffs ahead of a season that opens about three months after the announcement.

The hire fills an assistant coaching slot ahead of the program's season opener, which is about three months away. Fans tracking the women's lacrosse roster can watch for further staff announcements as the season approaches.

The takeaway

Staff hires made months before a season opener often signal how a new head coach plans to rebuild a program's depth. Watching assistant coaching changes can help readers gauge a team's direction before games begin.