Women’s College Lacrosse Coaching Carousel: Key Division I Moves This Summer

Women’s College Lacrosse Coaching Carousel: Key Division I Moves This Summer

The Women’s College Lacrosse Coaching Carousel has been relatively quiet in terms of volume this summer—but the moves that have occurred have made major waves. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant shifts at the Division I level so far.

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Missy Doherty Steps Down, Kayla Treanor Heads to Penn State

The most notable change this offseason began with the departure of Missy Doherty from Penn State. After 15 seasons leading the Nittany Lions, Doherty stepped down to pursue other professional opportunities, opening one of the most coveted jobs in the country.

Penn State wasted no time filling the role with a major name: Kayla Treanor, who leaves her alma mater, Syracuse, after four impressive seasons at the helm. While with the Orange, Treanor compiled a 59–24 record and led the team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including back-to-back semifinal runs in 2023 and 2024.

The ripple effects were immediate—Reagan O’Donovan, one of the top-rated goalies in the Class of 2026 (rated 4.75/5 by U.S. Club Lacrosse), flipped her commitment from Syracuse to Penn State shortly after Treanor’s hiring was announced.

With Treanor now leading a program that has been teetering on the edge of greatness, all eyes are on whether she can elevate Penn State to the top of the Big Ten—and back onto the national stage.

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Regy Thorpe Returns to Syracuse as Head Coach

Treanor’s departure left a major vacancy at Syracuse, but the Orange didn’t look far for her replacement. They tapped longtime Syracuse assistant Regy Thorpe, who returns to his alma mater after a successful stint at the University of Florida.

Thorpe spent the past four years with the Gators, the last two as Associate Head Coach, helping guide Florida to consecutive Final Four appearances. Prior to that, he spent a decade on Gary Gait’s Syracuse staff, playing a key role in shaping the program into a national contender.

Thorpe's impact was immediate, pulling in a top recruit: 2026 midfielder Peyton Rothfuss flipped her commitment from Florida to Syracuse following his hiring. Rothfuss is expected to be a major contributor as Syracuse looks to redefine excellence and reclaim its place among the nation's elite.

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Brittney Morris Takes Over at Xavier

Xavier University also made a head coaching change this summer, just three years into its Division I era. Founding head coach Meg Decker stepped down after four years with the program, prompting a national search for her successor.

Xavier ultimately selected Brittney Morris, who comes to Cincinnati after four standout seasons leading St. Mary’s College of Maryland (Division III). There, she compiled a 47–29 record and led the program to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances.

Morris now faces the challenge of taking Xavier to the next level. With just 10 wins across their first three seasons in a competitive Big East Conference, the Musketeers will look to Morris to build a strong foundation for long-term success.

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These three moves mark the biggest shifts in Division I women’s lacrosse coaching this summer—but with the offseason still heating up, don’t be surprised if more major changes are on the horizon.