COLUMBUS, Ohio – Capital University Director of Athletics Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. has announced the departure of Head Women's Lacrosse coach
Stacey Florence. Florence, who has found great success while serving as the only head coach in the 11-season history of Capital women's lacrosse, made the difficult decision to step away in order to spend more time with family.
"After 12 memorable years, I have decided that now is the right time to step away from college coaching," said Florence. "This decision has not come easily, as this program has been a significant part of my life, and it has consumed my passion and dedication for so long. Creating this program has truly been one of my greatest accomplishments. Together, we have built something special — a space where aspiring student-athletes have thrived and achieved remarkable things. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished over the years: the victories, the challenges we overcame, and the bonds we forged as a program."
"Coach Florence made great contributions to the Capital Women's Lacrosse program that made it one of the top teams in the Conference over the past decade," said Dr. Bailey. "She was responsible for creating a program that many teams in the OAC want to emulate. We want to thank her for the impact that she has had on so many student-athletes and Capital University. We wish her and her family the best."
Florence laid the foundation for one of the most successful women's lacrosse teams in the midwest region throughout her tenure, assembling an overall record of 128-43 along with a 60-16 mark in the OAC. Florence's teams have reached double-digit wins each season thus far – not counting the Covid-shortened 2020 season. Florence was named the OAC Coach of the Year three times throughout her career.
Notably, the women's lacrosse program has won the last three OAC Tournament Championships as well as two out of three of the last OAC Regular Season titles. Her teams advanced to the NCAA tournament second round each of those seasons.
Nationally, Florence has guided two All-Americans in the form of
Grace Osborn and
Andi Henry while she has also seen Osborn and the team named NCAA Statistical Champions numerous times over the past several years. Regionally, Capital student-athletes have achieved 21 All-Region awards under Florence's mentorship.
In the conference, Florence has mentored 12 OAC Positional Players of the Year as well as three OAC Clyde Lamb Award winners. Under her guidance, 64 student-athletes have been named All-Conference and an additional 42 have been named Academic All-Conference.
MORE FROM COACH FLORENCE
"I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every student-athlete who believed in me and our program. Your commitment, hard work, and determination have inspired me every day. I am forever grateful for the memories we've created together and the lessons we've learned.
Though I am stepping away, I hope that our program continues to flourish and that future generations of Capital Women Lacrosse players will enjoy the same opportunities for growth and success that I have seen in you all.
Thank you to every student-athlete that participated in our program, families, supporters, and the Capital community for your encouragement and belief in our mission.
While I may be leaving my formal role, I will always cherish my time coaching at Capital and will continue to root for our program from afar. This is not a goodbye; rather, it is the beginning of a new chapter for all of us."
LOOKING AHEAD
The search for Florence's successor will begin immediately and interested candidates can reach out to Director of Athletics Dr. Darrell Bailey Sr. for inquiries.
