Missy Doherty, who coached for seven years at Towson, will be the new head coach of Penn State's women's lacrosse team, Penn State announced Friday.

Doherty, who has won five national championships as a player and coach, will serve as the ninth head coach in program history.

"Missy is a rising star in collegiate women's lacrosse and Penn State is fortunate to be able to bring her to Happy Valley to lead our program," said Penn State athletic director Tim Curley said in a news release.

"Missy has experienced success and is a proven winner as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Her leadership and vision will positively impact our players. I am pleased and proud to welcome Missy to the Penn State family."

At Towson, she posted a 79-46 (.632) record, including five seasons with 13 or more victories, and led the Tigers to three CAA Tournament championships (2005, 2008-09) and a share of one CAA regular season title (2008). Doherty coached six All-Americans during her tenure, including Towson's first three-time honoree in program history.

In 2010, Doherty guided Towson to an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, and the Tigers received their first-ever top-10 national ranking in the IWLCA Division I poll.