via JU press release/website, by Henry Zimmer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The JU women’s lacrosse team has finalized its coaching staff for its upcoming season, completing the official hiring of assistant coach Haley Warden on Aug. 19, 2024.

Warden will serve as assistant coach and the team’s offensive coordinator, coming to Jacksonville after coaching stints with her Alma mater James Madison and Arizona State.

“I’m thrilled to join the Jacksonville University women’s lacrosse program,” Warden said. “This is an incredible opportunity to work with such a talented group of athletes alongside (head coach) Tara Singleton and (assistant coach) Kacey Knobloch. I admire Tara and Kacey’s dedication to developing players and pursuing championships and look forward to contributing to these goals.”

Warden was a standout for JMU and is one of the lacrosse program’s most decorated athletes. During her playing career from 2015-18, Warden was a two-time All-American. She won the Colonial Athletic Association’s Player of the Year in 2017 and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. She was the first in CAA history to earn both honors while also becoming the first CAA athlete to be named the Championship Most Outstanding Player in back-to-back seasons.

In 2018, Warden captained the school’s National Championship winning team which was a first in Dukes history. She finished her playing days as a three-time All-CAA member, with two First Team nods.

In terms of JMU history, Warden ranks first in draw controls and caused turnovers. She holds the top two single-season JMU records for caused turnovers.

“We are thrilled to add Haley to our Dolphin family,” Singleton said. “She is an incredible coach and will add so much to our offense and draw units. She has experience competing and coaching at the highest level and she will undoubtedly make our space better. I can’t wait to coach along side her and see her impact on our team.”

Warden started coaching collegiately in 2019 with JMU where she served as offensive coordinator and oversaw draw controls. She coached two players who finished in the top-5 for single-season draw controls in school history. She also had a member of her roster named an All-American eight times.

During her time coaching at JMU, Warden’s teams went a combined 31-11 and won the 2021 CAA Tournament Championship. By doing so, JMU became the first team in conference history to win four consecutive conference titles.

“I’m excited to build a dynamic and successful offense, with the help of Kacey, that will help us compete at the highest level,” Warden said. “I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the winning culture at Jacksonville.”

Arizona State hired Warden on in 2022 to serve as an assistant coach. When she was hired by the Sun Devils, Warden was also continuing her playing career professionally. She was a member of the Athletes Unlimited Professional Lacrosse League while also being selected as an alternate for the Team USA 2022 Women’s Lacrosse World Championship.

The coaching staff in Jacksonville, along with the athlete-centric community the school provides, helped make the switch from Arizona to Florida an easy one for Warden.

“I want to thank Tara and (athletic director) Alex Ricker-Gilbert for creating an outstanding culture that allows both athletes and coaches to excel,” Warden said. “‘Phins up!”