USC has moved on from program founder Lindsey Munday, the school announced Monday. And while a Big Ten opening like that is sure to attract quality candidates, it’s far from the only vacancy in NCAA Division I women’s lacrosse.
Butler, Charlotte, East Carolina, Furman, Lafayette, Longwood, Manhattan and Old Dominion all parted ways with head coaches after the season ended.
Only Manhattan has named a new head coach. The school announced last week that it has hired Rob Grella, previously of Division II Dominican (N.Y.), as Jenna Dingler’s successor.
Central Michigan also underwent a midseason coaching change when Emilia Ward resigned March 5 on the heels of an 0-5 start. Katie Vahle operated as interim head coach for the Chippewas through the end of the campaign.
Here’s a look at each school’s situation:
Butler
Maggie Zentgraf resigned after four seasons, citing a move back east for her family. The Bulldogs were 3-13 (0-6 Big East) this season.
Central Michigan
Though they’ve struggled in recent seasons, the Chippewas did make NCAA tournament appearances in 2022 and 2023. They were 4-12 (3-4 MAC) this year.
Charlotte
The 49ers will have their third head coach in as many seasons in 2027. Clare Short helped launch the program in 2025 and Sarah Staggard took over as interim head coach this year. Charlotte has compiled a combined 12-19 record over its first two seasons.
East Carolina
ECU announced May 4 it would not renew Brittany Dipper’s contract after it expires at the end of June. Dipper has a 19-31 record in three seasons, including an 8-9 mark in 2026. She had taken over for Amanda Moore, who left for the Ohio State job after the 2023 season.
Furman
The school decided not to bring back Gail Wallach, the 2025 Big South Coach of the Year. The Paladins were 24-13 under her watch the last two seasons.
Lafayette
Katie McConnell resigned Monday after seven seasons, compiling a 24-68 record and a 7-44 mark in Patriot League play.
Longwood
Elevated to head coach after the 2024 season, Dwayne Hicks went 4-26 combined in two seasons. The school announced April 30 he would not return.
Manhattan
The Jaspers were a combined 32-73 under Dingler, whose best season came in 2022 (11-8). Manhattan made NCAA tournament appearances in 2004 and 2005 but haven’t returned since.
Old Dominion
Theresa Walton resigned as head coach after four seasons, during which the Monarchs went 20-47 overall.
USC
The only head coach in USC history, Munday is also the head coach of the U.S. Women’s Sixes National Team. The parting was mutual, according to the school. Under Munday, the Trojans went 169-79 with six NCAA tournament appearances, including quarterfinal trips in 2016 and 2017.
