COLUMBUS, Ohio – Amy Bokker has been named the third head coach in Ohio State women’s lacrosse program history, the department of athletics announced Tuesday (June 5). Bokker comes to Ohio State from Stanford, where she led the Cardinal to six conference titles and eight NCAA tournament appearances over 11 seasons as head coach.

“We are thrilled to have Amy Bokker join the Ohio State family,” Janine Oman, deputy director of athletics and women’s lacrosse program administrator, said. “It is an exciting time for Buckeye lacrosse and good things are happening for Ohio State. Amy is the leader for us.”

Bokker, the winningest coach in Stanford history, owns a record of 245-161 as a head coach over 23 seasons at American, George Mason and Stanford. The Phoenixville, Pa., native also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. women’s national team in its run to gold in the 2017 FIl Women's World Cup. In 2013, Bokker helped coach the U.S. to the 2013 FIL Women’s World Cup title. After joining the staff as an assistant in 2010, Bokker helped coach the U.S. to its seventh world title as the Americans outscored opponents by a combined 127-34 over seven games in Oshawa, Ontario.

“My family and I are thrilled to be joining Buckeye Nation,” Bokker said. “Ohio State is rich in tradition athletically and academically and I can’t wait to compete in one of the best conferences in the country.  I want to thank Janine Oman for all of her support and Gene Smith for believing in my leadership.

“I also want to thank my Stanford family for this amazing experience. I have worked with some of the very best coaches in the world over the last 11 years and I will hold these experiences and friendships in my heart. Relationships are at the core of my coaching philosophy and I am eager to share my passion for student-athlete development and begin this journey at Ohio State.”

Bokker assisted the Canadian National Team in the 2009 FIL World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic, where it captured the bronze medal, the first medal the country had won in 28 years.

Bokker received her first head coaching position at American University in 1997, leading the Eagles to a school-best 8-8 record and earning the 1997 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Coach of the Year award. During her time at American, Bokker was also the assistant for field hockey.

Following the success at American, Bokker was named the head coach at George Mason and immediately made an impact by leading the team to its first winning record in school history. During her tenure at George Mason, Bokker led the team to six Top 20 finishes, including a final national ranking of No. 16 in 2008 when the Patriots went 12-5 to set a single-season record for wins.

Prior to Bokker’s arrival at Stanford, the program had just one NCAA appearance in its history. She quickly transformed the Cardinal into a mainstay in the postseason tournament mix, leading the team to a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Tournament crown in her first season at the helm. Over 11 seasons, Bokker leaves Stanford with a 151-59 record. Stanford won a school-record 16 games in 2011 and claimed at least 12 victories in all but one season under Bokker. In 2018, Bokker led the Cardinal to the inaugural Pac-12 Tournament title.

Bokker was a two-time All-CAA first-team pick and BRINE/Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-American at William and Mary, where she also played field hockey. She earned her master’s degree from George Mason in exercise, fitness and health promotion in 2007. Bokker and her husband, Scott, have a son, Chase, and a daughter, Lulu.

What They’re Saying About Amy Bokker:

Ricky Fried, head coach of Georgetown women’s lacrosse and three-time US Lacrosse Women’s Senior Team coach:
“Amy is one of the top professional coaches in the country. She is an excellent recruiter, motivator and tactician, a rare combination. Amy brings great energy on a daily basis and is always looking to push herself and her team on and off the field. With all of that said, Amy’s greatest quality is her integrity, nobody cares more about their players and the game of lacrosse. Ohio State has hit a home run selecting Amy Bokker to lead their program.”

Gina Thomas (née Oliver), head coach of Cincinnati women’s lacrosse and former Ohio State All-American; played under Bokker on the U.S. National Team:
“Having known and played for Amy, I couldn’t be happier with her being named the new head coach at my alma mater.  She is a players’ coach, passionate, competitive, driven, and an all-around great person and coach. I know she will give her ALL for THE Ohio State University.”