Abby Kushina Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Announcement

Kushina Tabbed to Lead IWU Women’s Lacrosse Program

Chosen to lead her alma mater after one season as assistant coach

7/15/2024 12:00:00 PM

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Illinois Wesleyan University Athletic Director Mike Wagner has announced Abby Kushina as the next head coach of the women's lacrosse program Monday, July 15. Kushina is set to become the third head coach in the program's history.

"I am excited to elevate Abby to head coach of our women's lacrosse program," Wagner said. "Throughout the process, it became clear that she was the right choice to lead this program moving forward. Abby was an incredible student-athlete for us in the team's early stages, and has shown a genuine passion for the program and its student-athletes as an assistant coach. Abby's focus on creating a great student-athlete experience and her competitive drive will continue to put the Titans in a position to win conference championships and compete nationally."

Kushina, a 2018 IWU graduate and member of the program's first team in 2015, served as an assistant coach for the Titans in the 2024 season. With her help, IWU recorded its first winning season since 2021, posting an overall record of 9-8 and a 4-2 mark in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin action to garner a share of second place. The Titans landed three on the All-CCIW teams, with Britney Maldonado and Sarah Riepe earning first team honors, while Devon Hanson notched second team honors for the second straight season. Riepe and Hanson are set to return for the 2025 season, leading the defense and midfield, respectively. Riepe also represented the women's lacrosse program on the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team, while 10 Titans earned Academic All-CCIW honors.

"I could not be more excited to lead the program that has given me so much," Kushina stated. "As a freshman on the first team in program history, I never could have imagined I would end up here. I am grateful to Mike Wagner and the search committee for believing in me and giving me this incredible opportunity. I cannot wait to see how this program continues to grow and succeed."

She returned to her alma mater prior to the 2024 season 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 seventh in program history, while her 110 goals and 56 assists are the sixth and eighth best in program history, respectively.

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