IWLCA Launches Inaugural Cohort for ASPIRE Coach Program

The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) has proudly announced the launch of the IWLCA ASPIRE Program, a cutting-edge professional development initiative designed to elevate assistant coaches within the sport. ASPIRE is built around the IWLCA’s commitment to fostering leadership and enhancing the professional knowledge, skills, and capabilities of women’s lacrosse coaches.

e.t.c coaching consultants, renowned for their work in sports coach development, women's high-performance coach development, and women's leadership have been entrusted to design and facilitate the program curriculum. Sarah McQuade and Julie Muller will lead the delivery of the program, guiding a select cohort of 18 coaches throughout the 2024–2025 academic year.

The ASPIRE Program will offer a dynamic, blended learning approach featuring, asynchronous online learning, interactive webinars, in-person workshops at the IWLCA Convention in November 2024, and individual mentoring sessions. e.t.c has collaborated with digital partners, MiMentor, to provide a comprehensive online learning platform to assist in delivering this engaging curriculum.

The program will run from early September 2024 through the spring of 2025, helping coaches navigate their way through a series of structured modules designed to support their growth and professional development.

A key aspect of the ASPIRE Program is fostering a community of practice among the coaches, promoting collaboration, support, and the sharing of insights that will propel their careers forward.

IWLCA Executive Director, Liz Robertshaw, shared her excitement about the program’s launch:

"We’re thrilled to welcome the inaugural cohort to the Aspire program. By supporting these assistant coaches, we’re nurturing the next generation of leaders in our game. We look forward to seeing how this program impacts their careers."

The first ASPIRE cohort includes 18 coaches from across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. These coaches represent the future of women’s lacrosse coaching and through the ASPIRE Program, they will be equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to become effective coaches and women's sport leaders.

Class of 2025 Inaugural Cohort:

1. Clara Bissell – Wesleyan University (Division III)

2. Jordan Blackburne – University of Virginia's College at Wise (Division II)

3. Avery Blackmon – Washington and Lee University (Division III)

4. McKenna Blick – Stevenson University (Division III)

5. Taylor Blick – Dickinson College (Division III)

6. Ariana Cambio – Colby College (Division III)

7. Erica Erb – Amherst College (Division III)

8. Sean Hansen – University of Redlands (Division III)

9. Allyson Heavens – Rutgers University (Division I)

10. Kelsey Howard – Stanford University (Division I)

11. McKenna Kincaid – Saint Leo University (Division II)

12. MacKenzie Plaskey – Florida State University (Division I)

13. Sharn Muffett – University of South Florida (Division I)

14. Madison Mulligan – Ithaca College (Division III)

15. Leah Peppelman – George Washington University (Division I)

16. Tyra Prince – Denison University (Division III)

17. Tatiana Samuel – Kenyon College (Division III)

18. Katherine Yarusso – Widener University (Division III)