Kushina Named IWU Women’s Lacrosse Assistant Coach

Returns to alma mater after two years at McKendree University

6/7/2023 11:00:00 AM

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Illinois Wesleyan University women's lacrosse head coach Grainne Kelly named Abby Kushina the program's newest assistant coach, Wednesday, June 7.

"We are beyond excited to welcome Abby back to our Titan family after five years of experience coaching at the high school, club, and Division II level," Kelly said. "She brings in a strong knowledge on the tactical side, a profound passion for the game, and will serve our student-athletes and program well."

Kushina, a 2018 IWU graduate, returns to her alma mater after finishing a two-year graduate assistant stint at McKendree University. During her time at McKendree, Kushina helped develop individual skills, plan and oversee daily practices and drills, specifically with the offense, and helped manage all aspects of team operations.

Prior to McKendree, Kushina served as the junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant coach of the girls lacrosse team at Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Mo for three seasons. Kushina was also a 14U lacrosse coach for the 410 West Lacrosse league, based out of St. Louis, Mo., for four years.

During her four years at Illinois Wesleyan, Kushina was a four-time letter winner at attack and midfield, and a member of the program's first team. She was tabbed as the team's offensive most valuable player for the inaugural 2015 season. Kushina helped the Titans win their first CCIW Regular Season Championship in 2018, two CCIW Tournament Championships (2017 & 2018), and secure the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017. In her final season for the Green and White, Kushina helped guide IWU to the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen in 2018. Her 166 career points currently ranks sixth in program history, while her 110 goals and 56 assists, are the fifth and sixth best in program history, respectively.

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