An entirely new coaching staff led the lacrosse team to a win against Davenport, 18-13, on Feb. 25.
After former head coach Melissa Rausch resigned for a Division I coaching position, the Mountain Lions hired Brice Queener from Division I school University of Denver. Queener was the Associate Head Coach at the University of Denver, taking the role of offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. He won four Big East Tournament Championships in a row with the DU Pioneers between 2021 and 2024.
“Colorado is the best place in the country to live and play lacrosse. I’m excited about sharing my passion for both as we build Mountain Lion lacrosse into a national contender,” Queener said in an interview with GoMountainLions.
Joining Queener are assistant coaches Allie Popelar and Hannah Mill who are head coaches for youth club lacrosse teams in the state. Mill played for the UCCS lacrosse team from 2021 to 2022. She is the record holder for most points scored in a sophomore season with 60 points.
Since 2022, the women’s lacrosse team hasn’t had a winning record, although they finished the 2024 season ranked third in RMAC. Last season, they finished with a 7-9 record in the regular season and a 5-5 record in the RMAC. The RMAC Preseason’s coaches poll expect the Mountain Lions to finish the conference in 3rd out of the 6 teams for 2025.
Six students who played on the team last year have graduated. In exchange, the team has picked four freshmen to play midfield: Lauren Schindlbeck, Ellia Maready, Talya Wilson and Sofia Watts. On defense, the team brought on two more freshmen, Elsa Swenson and Lily Bachmann. One goalie was recruited as well, freshman Delaney Gnos.
With the new pickups this season, Head Coach Brice Queener said in an email the team is focused on improving the team culture and player connections.
Conference play for lacrosse begins March 14 at 4 p.m. against Westminster at the Mountain Lion Stadium.