Grainne Kelly Steps Down as Women’s Lacrosse Coach

A national search will be conducted for a replacement

5/3/2024 10:00:00 AM

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Illinois Wesleyan University Director of Athletics Mike Wagner accepted the resignation of Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Grainne Kelly Friday morning, May 3. Kelly, the second head coach in the program's decade-long history, has resigned from her role to pursue other professional opportunities.

"I have made the difficult decision to step down as head coach of a program that I truly love and that has meant the world to me for nearly 10 years," Kelly shared. "Illinois Wesleyan and the Titan family that I have been blessed to be a part of will continue to be a core part of who I am. The program is built on a strong foundation that I know will continue to grow through love for the game and for each other."

"I want to thank Grainne for all that she has done for our women's lacrosse program and our student-athletes," Wagner reflected. "She exemplifies what it means to be a Titan and led our program with the same commitment to excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Grainne was a tremendous player on the field for us in the program's infancy and has put it in a great position for future success. We are so grateful for all that she has done and how she has represented Illinois Wesleyan. I wish her the best in her future opportunities."

In her second season, Kelly guided the Green and White to its first winning record since 2021 as IWU finished 9-8 overall and tied for second in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin standings. The season saw three student-athletes named to the All-CCIW teams as Britney Maldonado and Sarah Riepe were First Team selections, while Devon Hanson garnered Second Team status.

Kelly coached a total of seven All-CCIW honorees during her run leading the Titans, with three others receiving all-conference distinction during her season as the program's top assistant coach in 2022. In all, IWU racked up 13 CCIW Player of the Week selections under the guidance of Kelly, along with the program's first-ever Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association National Division III Offensive Player of the Week (Britney Maldonado).

A national search for her replacement will begin immediately.

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