She came to Syracuse after spending the last five years as associate head coach at Stony Brook.

Defliese served as Stony Brook’s defensive coordinator, leading one of the top defenses in the nation. In 2016, the Seawolves ranked second in the nation in scoring defense (6.1 gpg) and fourth in scoring margin (7.33). Goalkeeper Anna Tesoriero was second in the country with a 6.07 goals-against average. During her time at Stony Brook, Defliese mentored two All-Americans, two all-region honorees and seven all-conference selections.

A four-year letterwinner at Boston University, Defliese earned a spot on the All-America East Second Team in 2010 after being named to the conference’s All-Rookie Team in 2007 after recording 13 caused turnovers, 23 draw controls and 21 ground balls. Defliese earned her bachelor’s degree in health and rehabilitation from Boston University in 2010.