Coaches

Meghan Els

The interim tagged has been removed and Meghan Els has been named Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Western Connecticut State University announced Director of Athletics and Recreation Lori R. Mazza today.


Els took the helm, as the interim coach, in February of 2021 and is now officially WestConn's third head coach in the program's 24-year history.


"One thing we strive for here at WestConn is having the best coaches who are teachers and mentors to our student athletes," stated Mazza. "After a national search, it was clear that Meghan was the best candidate to take the permanent reigns of our women's lacrosse program. She has lead our team to success regionally and nationally while being equally as impressive off the field as well, both in the classroom and the community. I look forward to working with Meghan, as a member of a great department and university, for many years to come."


Since taking over the program in 2021, Els has been named Little East Conference Coach of the Year (2021) and guide the Wolves to two straight LEC Conference regular-season and tournament championships and the NCAA Division III national tournaments. In 2021, WestConn advanced to the third round of the NCAA championships at Colby College in Waterville, Me..


"I am beyond excited for this opportunity. I want to thank Lori Mazza, Interim President Dr. Paul Beran and the search committee for trusting me to continue in this role. WestConn is a special place and I am looking forward to continuing the success of the women's lacrosse program. I also would like to thank my assistant coaches and the team buying into our mission and to all of the former players and coaches who have laid the foundation. The future is bright for the Wolves and I am honored to be leading the pack.


She, a native of Commack, N.Y. on Long Island had been an Assistant Coach and Director of Recruiting at WestConn since joining the staff in August of 2019.


Prior to joining the WestConn staff as an Assistant Coach in August of 2019, Els was an Assistant Coach at Bard College (2016-17) and St. Joseph's College on Long Island (2017-19).


Els graduated from Castleton University in 2016 with a degree in Athletic Training before earning a Master's Degree from Stony Brook University in May of 2019.


While enjoying a stellar four-year collegiate playing career as a Spartan, Els was named North Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team All-Conference selection as a junior and senior. In 2016, she was named to the IWLCA All-Region Second Team.