IWLCA SPARK PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – Illinois Wesleyan University head women's lacrosse coach Abby Poulter was selected by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association to the inaugural IWLCA Spark program, the organization announced Thursday, August 13. The Spark program is a new initiative that is designed to provide professional development to collegiate coaches with fewer than four years of head coaching experience.

"I'm excited to welcome the inaugural cohort of coaches to the Spark program,"  IWLCA Executive Director Liz Robertshaw said. "The IWLCA has always been committed to supporting our member coaches throughout their careers, and we are proud to provide this opportunity specifically designed to help newer head coaches navigate the challenges and opportunities of their roles, grow as leaders, and contribute to the continued growth of our sport."

Poulter will enter her third year as the head coach of the Titans in the 2026-27 season. Poulter, in the past two years, has led IWU to a 14-20 overall record while posting a 5-5 record in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Poulter has coached one IWLCA All-Region and one USA Lacrosse Magazine All-American, along with seven All-CCIW honorees and one CCIW "Player of the Year."  

Amongst the 18 head coaches selected, Division III made up the majority of the inaugural cohort with seven as Poulter becomes the first CCIW head coach to be selected to the new program. 

The 2026-27 IWLCA Spark program will run from August 2026 through January 2027 and will feature an in-person leadership experience during the 2026 IWLCA Convention, at the Island Grand at Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida in November.

The inaugural 2026-27 cohort consists of the following 18 coaches: