PUEBLO, Colo. (December 14, 2022) – Colorado State University Pueblo Head Women's Lacrosse Coach
Monica Potter has resigned after 8 years of service to the University.
"It was not an easy decision to step down as the head Women's Lacrosse Coach, said Potter. "I want to say thank you to Joe Folda for giving me this opportunity and always checking in on game days. To Chris, Lea Ann, Abigail and Madison Turner, your support to myself and my athletes is untouchable. (To) the Pueblo community who has adopted me as their own and I am forever grateful. I can't say thank you enough for what the alumni have done to build the program and continue to support the program. The parents who have become an extension of my family, and to this current team who I know will work hard and compete to the best of their abilities."
"I would like to thank Monica for her unwavering commitment to the city of Pueblo, her unselfish dedication to CSU Pueblo and her deep passion for our Athletic Department and student-athletes," said Vice President for Athletics and Strategic Partnerships,
Dr. Paul Plinske.
"Monica gave her heart and soul to our Athletic Department. She invested countless hours supporting all sports while doing her best to lead her team. I am proud of what she has done and look forward to building on her work this spring and long into the future under a new head coach. We wish Monica all the best in her future endeavors."
Potter began her time at CSU Pueblo after being named the program's first head coach Nov. 2, 2013.
She amassed a 35-75 overall record and a 19-41 record in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play.
Potter coached two players named to the IWLCA Second Team All-Region, two IWLCA National Players of the Week and had a total of twenty student-athletes named to the IWLCA Academic Honor Roll.
She led one RMAC Freshman of the Year, one RMAC Defensive Player of the Year and two First Team All-RMAC selections.
Under Potter's tutelage, eight student-athletes achieved Second Team All-RMAC honors and fifteen others were named All-RMAC Honorable Mention.
She coached two RMAC First Team All-Academic players and a total of 45 players were named to the RMAC Honor Roll.
In the ThunderWolves first season of competition, Potter coached the team to a 4-win season. The Pack earned the first victory in program history March 18, 2014 at home over Rockhurst, 12-11.
Potter's team improved to a .500 record in 2016, finishing 8-8 with a 3-4 RMAC record. Pack players received the first five RMAC Player of the Week Awards in program history.
CSU Pueblo also had seven players earn a spot on the RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll. Four more Pack players were tabbed All-RMAC Honorable Mention including
Taylor Christensen who ranked in the top five nationally in ground balls per game.
In 2017, Potter placed a record eights student-athletes on the RMAC Academic Honor Roll.
Potter came to CSU Pueblo with head coaching experience from three Universities as well as extensive knowledge of Colorado and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference women's lacrosse.
She served as the assistant coach at Fort Lewis College, one of the ThunderWolves' foes in the RMAC.
Potter's collegiate coaching career began at Lindenwood (Mo.) University, an associate member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in women's lacrosse. During one season at Lindenwood, she directed Lindenwood to the Central Plains Division title, a national tournament berth and a number-23 ranking in the Women's Division Intercollegiate Associates of U.S. Lacrosse.
She also turned a program with a losing record into one that had an undefeated regular season. Additionally, Potter served as Lindenwood's field hockey coach.
She then moved on to the head coaching position at Adrian College, an NCAA Division III institution in Adrian, Mich. She helped launch the program into existence, recruiting players from eight stats to fill the roster as, much like CSU-Pueblo, it awaited a newly constructed complex for its program.
From 2008-09, Potter coached at Fontbonne University, an NCAA Division III institution in St. Louis, Mo. In returning to her native St. Louis, she directed the Griffons for two seasons, coaching above .500 for both seasons. In addition to her duties as women's lacrosse coach, she also directed Fontbonne's field hockey program as well as served as Assistant Athletic Director, specializing in NCAA compliance.
A replacement for the head coaching position will be announced at a later date.
