Habel was with the Mules from 2013-2015, helping the Mules qualify for the NCAA Tournament and earn a top-ten ranking each campaign.

"We are so excited to have Paula re-join our staff," said Henning. "She is extremely creative and thoughtful about everything from team dynamics to strategy and the positive energy she brings is second to none. We are so lucky and look forward to working together to make Colby Women's Lacrosse the best it can be."

"I'm so excited to return to Colby," said Habel. "While a lot has changed in my time away with upgraded facilities, it is apparent that the uniqueness of what makes CWL so special remains the same."

Most recently, Habel served at Bowdoin College as an assistant women's lacrosse coach and strength and conditioning coach from 2016-2021. For the 2015-16 academic year, he was the head coach at Merrimack College.

Prior to her first stint at Colby, Habel owned a consistent record of success leading Bridgewater State, Emerson, Allegheny and Plymouth State University. Her 2012 Bridgewater State team claimed the NEWLA Championship and qualified for the NCAA Tournament. While at Allegheny, her squad reached the North Coast Athletic Conference playoffs in two of the three years while setting a school record for wins in a season (9). While with Plymouth State, the Panthers won the ECAC title and finish with a 13-5 record in 2005. A year later, that same Plymouth State program went to the NCAA Tournament, won Little East Conference regular season and tournament titles, and finished 13-6 overall.

Originally from Hingham, Massachusetts, Habel is a 2003 Cum Laude graduate of Bridgewater State with a degree in Communications. She received her master's degree in Educational Leadership from Plymouth State University in 2009. A decorated student-athlete, Habel was voted into the BSU Athletics Hall of Fame in the fall of 2011.