Syracuse University's women's lacrosse team is set to lose its head coach, Kayla Treanor, who announced her departure to join Penn State University. Treanor, a Niskayuna native and former Syracuse player, led the Orange for four seasons, guiding them to the NCAA Final Four in 2023 and 2024. She leaves behind a 59-24 record at Syracuse.
Treanor, 31, is one of the most decorated players in women's college lacrosse history. During her playing career at Syracuse, she became the first player in the program's history to be a first-team All-American all four years. She compiled 260 career goals and 393 points, leading the Orange to four consecutive Final Four appearances, including a trip to the national championship game in 2014.
Treanor expressed her excitement about joining Penn State, saying, "Our sights are set on bringing a national championship to Happy Valley." Penn State's Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Patrick Kraft, praised Treanor's experience and commitment to excellence.
Before coaching at Syracuse, Treanor served as an assistant coach at Harvard and Boston College, where she helped the Eagles reach three national championship games. Her coaching success is complemented by her achievements with Team USA, where she won gold at the 2017 and 2022 World Championships.
Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack expressed gratitude for Treanor's contributions and announced that Caitlin Defliese Watkins will serve as interim head coach. The Orange finished their recent season with a 10-9 record, falling to Yale in the NCAA Tournament.