Doherty Steps Down as Penn State Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Missy Doherty is leaving her position as the program’s leader to pursue other professional opportunities. Assistant coach Steph Lazo will serve as the interim head coach. A national search for Doherty’s replacement will begin immediately.
 
“I appreciate Missy’s contributions, and we are grateful for her dedication to Penn State and our women’s lacrosse program for the past 15 years," said Pat Kraft, Penn State Vice President of Athletics. "She has holistically developed the young women in her program to ensure they had a world class experience during their time at Penn State while preparing them for life after lacrosse. We thank Missy for her efforts in leading our women’s lacrosse program and wish her and her family all the best in their future endeavors.”
 
“I have enjoyed my time in Happy Valley and am so proud of all we have accomplished during my time at Penn State,” Doherty said. “I would like to thank Pat Kraft for his support over the last three years, and Tim Curley for bringing me to this terrific University 15 years ago. I am so thankful to have worked with so many tremendous assistant coaches, student-athletes and staff. We were able to develop these young women not only as lacrosse players but as students, leaders and community members, and had a fun time doing it. I have so many fond memories of my time here and know Penn State Women’s Lacrosse has a bright future. I am ready for a new challenge and look forward to the future.”
 
Doherty recently completed her 15^th year at the helm of the Penn State women’s lacrosse program. She owns a 155-107 record, including a 47-40 mark in conference play. During her tenure, the Nittany Lions reached the NCAA Tournament eight times, including back-to-back National Semifinal appearances in 2016 and 2017. She guided Penn State to the ALC title in 2013 with a 4-1 conference record. She was the 2015 Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading the Nittany Lions to the Big Ten Tournament championship. During her tenure, Doherty coached 62 all-conference selections (44 All-Big Ten), 10 conference major award winners, 23 All-Americans and 109 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars.