WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic women's lacrosse head coach Katy Richardson is stepping down from her position due to health reasons.
 
"Unfortunately, due to ongoing health concerns, I find it necessary to prioritize my well-being and make this difficult decision," Coach Richardson said. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to the university, the athletic department, and the incredible young women I have had the privilege to coach. I have cherished my time at Palm Beach Atlantic University, and I am proud of the progress and achievements we have made as a team. The student-athletes I had the good fortune to work with are dedicated, passionate, purpose-driven, faith-filled young women, and deserve more than I can provide them given my current health concerns."
 
Richardson was named the head coach of the Sailfish lacrosse program in the summer of 2021 and has led PBA through two seasons. The West Palm Beach native and Park Vista High School graduate led the 'Fish to five wins during her tenure. She also helped her student-athletes achieve success off the field, recording the highest team GPA in program history in 2022-23 with several scholar-athletes.
 
"I want to thank Katy for her exceptional care and service for our student-athletes during her time at PBA," Palm Beach Atlantic Athletic Director Courtney Lovely Evans has said. "She will continue to be in our prayers as she focuses on her health. She has made a sizeable impact on the women's lacrosse program and will be missed by our department."
 
Richardson was a connected member of the South Florida lacrosse community, serving as the Director of Education and Recruiting Coordinator at Lax Maniax, a club program in West Palm Beach from 2013 to 2020. She helped the club launch locations in Tampa, Pensacola, and Greenville, South Carolina.
 
"I have no doubt that the future is bright for PBA women's lacrosse, and I consider it such a blessing to have played a small part in that," Richardson said. "I look forward to the amazing things to come for the team and I will be cheering them on every step of the way."
 
Before becoming the head coach at PBA, Richardson worked as an assistant coach at fellow SSC school, Florida Southern, for two years. She led the Mocs to an SSC Regular Season championship. As a student-athlete, Richardson won an NCAA National Championship at Adelphi in 2014. She finished her playing career at Presbyterian where she was an all-conference honoree.
 
PBA will be conducting a search for its next head women's lacrosse coach immediately with the goal of having a new coach in place for the 2024 season.