via press release – photo via PBA web site   WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic University has hired Jayson Schmidt as the first head coach of the varsity women’s lacrosse program as announced by PBA Director of Athletics Carolyn Stoneon Monday. Schmidt graduated from PBA and has been part of the lacrosse programs as a player and a coach. Schmidt has been part of men’s lacrosse program – which competed in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association – since 2006 when he began his playing career for the Sailfish. He has been a member of the coaching staff since he finished playing in 2011. As a member of the staff he’s taken on roles of offensive coordinator, head of recruiting and the director of operations. “We are pleased to welcome Sailfish alumnus Jayson Schmidt to lead the women’s lacrosse program in its inaugural year,” said Stone. “Our culture of winning the PBA way is of paramount importance.  Having a firm understanding of just x’s and o’s is not enough to be a successful coach at PBA.  Understanding and living our culture of high standards and values is always at the heart of our hiring process and I am confident that Jayson will excel in this area as well as developing a competitive program. He is a fierce competitor and successful recruiter who will fully embrace our commitment to faith, academics, and athletic excellence.” The Sailfish will begin play in the spring of 2018 and anticipates full membership in the Sunshine State Conference by that time. Schmidt will spend the initial year planning for the first year of competition by recruiting student-athletes, planning a schedule and gathering necessary equipment and supplies for the program. “This is a tremendous opportunity and I am thrilled to continue the great lacrosse tradition at Palm Beach Atlantic University,” said Schmidt. “I can’t thank President Fleming and Carolyn Stone enough for recognizing the vision that I will implement as we build a culture of honor, enthusiasm, and success through Sailfish women’s lacrosse. More than anything, I look forward to encouraging the gifts and talents that exist inside our future student-athletes as we develop a championship mentality on and off the field.” While a member of the coaching staff for the men’s team he coached 14 All-Americans, 33 all-conference athletes and four conference players of the year. Schmidt was a three-year team captain on the field for the Sailfish and was an All-Southeastern Lacrosse Conference defensive midfield selection. The Sailfish will play home matches and practice at the Rinker Athletic Campus. Interested prospective student-athletes should complete a recruiting questionnaire here.