SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Converse University head lacrosse coach
Taylor Woolard is relinquishing her position with the Valkyries and will make the move to Youngstown State University.
"While we hate to see Coach Woolard leave Converse, we are thrilled about her opportunity at Youngstown State," Converse University Athletics Director Jenn Bell said. "We always want to see our coaches grow in their profession, and this is one of those cases where her hard work has paid off. We thank her for how she poured into our women's lacrosse program over the last three years, and we know she has made a lasting impact on each student-athlete she coached. We wish her the very best as she takes this next step in her career."
"This transition is a bittersweet moment for me, but I am excited for the next chapter in my career and where the Lord is calling me," Woolard said. "I've loved my time here at Converse. All of the young women I have had a chance to coach and interact with are what makes this program and place so special. I know that they will continue to do great things in Conference Carolinas, Coach Lauren and Coach Kiersten will do an amazing job leading this program. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. Once a Valkyrie, always a Valkyrie."
In just three seasons, Woolard has turned around the Valkyries lacrosse team. During the 2023 season, the Valkyries lacrosse team made it back to the postseason for the first time since the 2019 season.
Brenna Everette,
Hailey Obenchain and
Ryleigh Schaeffer all earned All-Conference honors, while Obenchain became just the second Valkyrie in school history to win conference Freshman of the Year honors. As a team the Valkyries ranked 20
th nationally in assists per game (6.94), 24
th in caused turnovers per game (10.47), and 22
nd in draw controls per game (15.53). The Valkyries led the Conference in draw controls per game and finished inside the top-five in 10 different statistical categories.
Assistant Lacrosse coach
Lauren Frost has been named interim head coach for the upcoming season.
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