Kelsey Richardson Hired as New Head Coach of the Florida Tech Women’s Lacrosse Program

Former Syracuse goalie, Richardson will begin her new post on July 10

Director of Athletics Jamie Joss announced Kelsey Richardson as the new head coach of the Florida Tech women’s lacrosse program. A former Syracuse goalie, Richardson will begin her new post on July 10. (Florida Tech image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Director of Athletics Jamie Joss announced Kelsey Richardson as the new head coach of the Florida Tech women’s lacrosse program. A former Syracuse goalie, Richardson will begin her new post on July 10.

“Kelsey’s playing experience and achievements at Syracuse, coupled with the development and mentorship from Coach Gait and Thorpe, and her coaching knowledge and guidance gained at Campbell under Coach Easley, provide the foundation for elevating our success here at Florida Tech,” Joss said.

“She aligns with our mission of developing diverse athletes into scholars, champions, and leaders, and possesses the passion and commitment to building unity with our team to blaze a trail towards greatness and leave an indelible mark on Panther women’s lacrosse.

“We appreciate the participation of our athletics staff, the women’s lacrosse scholar-athletes, and our search committee members in the interview process,” Joss added.

“Tara Van Ness, Associate AD for Business Operations and Women’s Lacrosse Sports Administrator; Marc Small, Assistant Director of Athletics Partnerships & Promotions, Luis Velez, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine & Performance, and Brad MacArthur, Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach all invested significant time in the review of candidates, the interviews, and the evaluation of all feedback in selecting the best fit for our department and the future of our women’s lacrosse program.”

Richardson comes to Florida Tech after serving on the Campbell University women’s lacrosse coaching staff since 2021, where she played a large role in back-to-back record-setting seasons.

Over her two seasons, Richardson assisted in producing a 22-14 record, a Big South title game appearance, seven all-conference selections, and five individual top honors with back-to-back Big South Defensive and Midfielder of the Year selections, as well as a Scholar-Athlete of the Year honoree. Additionally, the Camels ranked among the top 10 nationally in several statistical categories.

“I am deeply honored to assume the position of Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Florida Tech,” said Richardson. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Athletic Director Jamie Joss and the entire selection committee for their valuable time and for believing in my vision for the program”.

“Florida Tech is an outstanding institution with exceptional academics and world-class facilities. I am eager to elevate the women’s lacrosse program to new heights aligning with the institution’s vision and values.

“My foremost goal is to cultivate a championship culture that unites and inspires current team members, prospective scholar-athletes, alumni, and the entire Panther community. By fostering an environment of excellence, dedication, and teamwork, we will strive to achieve remarkable success both on and off the field”.

In her first season at CU, Richardson helped the Camels to a school record-tying 10 wins, setting a school record for Big South victories in a single year with seven. CU also set another program record with seven consecutive wins during the 2022 campaign.

Defensively, the Camels were among the best teams in the nation, ranking among the nation’s top 10 in caused turnovers (seventh, 11.29) and ground balls (third, 20.94).

The 2023 season saw new records set in total wins (12), goals, assists, points, draw controls, ground balls, and caused turnovers. They led the nation in ground balls per game (20.63) and caused turnovers per game (14.11).

The program reached the Big South title game for the second time in program history and the first since 2017, where they fell to Mercer by one goal.

Prior to Campbell, Richardson was the assistant girls’ coach at IMG Academy from 2019-21. She was responsible for all team planning, organization, and communications for IMG’s girl’s lacrosse program, as well as designing training programs.

At IMG, Richardson also implemented the program’s “Leadership Council” and Empowered Female Athlete group to provide more value for athletes.

Additionally, Richardson has coached at the club level, serving as head coach of the Orange Crush Girls (2013-15), West Tampa Wolves Youth Lax Club (2016-19), and the Lax Maniax 2023 Black (2018-19).

A former Syracuse team captain, Richardson helped the Orange to four straight NCAA Final Four berths (2012-15), including two national championship game appearances in 2012 and 2014, a 2015 ACC Championship title, and a 2012 Big East title. The fourth-time conference all-academic team performer ranks among Syracuse’s all-time saves leaders with 329.

A 2015 graduate of Syracuse, Richardson earned a degree in Psychology with a minor in Athletic Coaching.

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