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STU Women: Simpson Announced as Inaugural Head Coach for Women’s Lacrosse

Written by Lee Roggenburg on . Posted in , , , .

via STU website, by Michelle Murch

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – St. Thomas University (STU) officially announces the addition of Ceinwen Simpson as the first Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach for the inaugural team, beginning play in the Spring of 2023. The sport was announced in early October as STU’s 26th varsity sport and eighth addition under the direction of President David A. Armstrong, J.D.

Simpson comes to St. Thomas with tons of experience being a part of the game and growing it for the last 28-years in coaching, playing, and officiating. “It is really a dream come true situation,” said Simpson when asked about getting the opportunity to coach at the collegiate level.

“We are excited to add Coach Simpson to our department to start our Lacrosse program,” said Director of Athletics, Bill Rychel. “[Simpson] has done a great job of coaching and building the sport in Jacksonville. I look forward to the impact she can have in the Lacrosse community in South Florida, and the women she will mentor during their collegiate careers at St Thomas,” added Rychel.

The Easton, Maryland native has spent the last 15-years coaching in Jacksonville, Fla. while starting a club of her own, the Jacksonville Sting. Simpson has also coached at the high school level starting the program at St. Augustine High School in 2010. Then, going on to coach and build the Atlantic Coast High school program for the most recent years starting in 2018 until 2021.

“Having been a part of starting and building programs, I think St. Thomas is the perfect fit for me,” added Simpson. “From the size of the school to the location, I am excited to hit the ground running and start the program at STU. I look forward to bringing in the local talent but also bringing the talent from all over Florida.”

Ceinwen Simpson played at Bridgewater College in Virginia and then finished her bachelor’s degree at Flagler College, majoring in Sociology. Simpson also has a master’s degree from the University of West Florida in Administrative Leadership.

“We are excited to start a new legacy of excellence in Women’s Lacrosse at STU,” commented President Armstrong. “Coach Simpson has a record of success in Lacrosse that will immediately translate to success here in South Florida. Young women will now be able to stay in South Florida and achieve their lacrosse goals here at STU!”

The women’s lacrosse program will kick off their inaugural season as a part of The Sun Conference. STU becomes the fifth school in the conference to add the sport, joining Ave Maria, Keiser, SCAD-Savannah, and Webber International.

“I want to thank President Armstrong and Bill Rychel for this opportunity to coach at the next level. I want to also thank the Jacksonville community for their continuous support through my time up there.”

Stay tuned for more information on camps, schedule releases, and commitments for the upcoming year. Be sure to follow the team on Instagram and Twitter at @STU_WLax.

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