DALLAS, Pa. — It takes more than being in the right place at the right time.

You have to do the right job.

Credit Brenna Gallagher for all three.

The Seneca Valley graduate — now pursuing her master's degree in organizational management at Misericordia University — was recently named head women's lacrosse coach at the school.

Two years ago, she was trying to decide whether to finish out her own collegiate lacrosse career at Indiana (Pa.) University after suffering a torn ACL three games into her senior season.

“Had I not played ... I wouldn't be in this position right now. I don't think so,” Gallagher said. “I probably would have gone to a different school and never would have gotten this opportunity.”

After returning to IUP lacrosse for her final season, Gallagher became a first team All-PSAC performer as a defender, along with earning All-South Region and second team All-America honors.

She went on to Misericordia after graduating from IUP and was named a graduate assistant coach for the Cougars' lacrosse team.

Shortly before the season started, five-year head coach Chrissy Trescavage abruptly left the program to pursue a position outside of athletics. MaryKate Stauffer, the program's original head coach, was still in the area, employed as a middle school teacher.

She accepted the job this spring on an interim basis.

“The coach who hired me was gone. I wasn't sure what my status on the staff was going to be,” Gallagher admitted. “But Coach Stauffer gave me a lot of responsibility.

“I ran a lot of the practices and coached during the games. She couldn't be there at times and I ran things when she wasn't.”

What resulted was a program record 14-win season, concluding with berths in the MAC Freedom championship game and ECAC title tilt.

“They saw what kind of job Brenna did,” Cougars sports information director Scott Crispell said. “She was great with the girls and became a candidate for the head coaching position.

“Nothing was handed to her. She went through the process. After the interview and evaluation was done, she was the obvious choice for the job. They didn't have to interview anybody else.”

At age 24, Gallagher became a head coach.

“She has demonstrated a knowledge and passion for the game as well as the desire to help our student-athletes succeed on and off the field,” Misericordia athletic director Chuck Edkins said of Gallagher in a released statement.

A Division III school, Misericordia has reached its conference title game in three successive seasons.

“This is a challenge and I'm embracing it,” Gallagher said. “With the adversity I've faced in the past, I know I can handle it.

“We had seven all-conference players last year and only one was a senior. We're returning a first team all-region defender ... We're a young team and I'm excited about our prospects.”

Gallagher will now finish her studies toward her master's while being employed as a full-time coach.

She said she played for a role model in IUP coach Mindy Richmond — where younger sister and fellow SV graduate Mollie Gallagher now plays.

Mollie made second team All-PSAC as a sophomore starter at defender for the Crimson Hawks.

“We've been joking about her transferring here and playing for me,” Gallagher said. “But Mollie's doing fine right where she is.

“I watched Coach Richmond build that program. She's a super hard worker and I strive to be like her. She's given me plenty of advice throughout this process.”

Once she got into coaching, it didn't take Gallagher long to realize what she wanted to do.

“I love the game and I love interaction with student-athletes,” she said. “I enjoy making a difference. It's a rewarding job all the way around.”