Penn State women’s lacrosse head coach Missy Doherty has resigned to pursue other professional opportunities, the university’s athletic department announced Thursday. Assistant coach Steph Lazo will serve as the interim head coach.
Over the course of 15 seasons leading the Nittany Lion program, Doherty accumulated and 155-107 record and a 47-40 mark in conference play. She reached the NCAA Tournament eight times with Penn State, including back-to-back semifinal appearances in 2016 and 2017. In 2015, she was the Big Ten Coach of the Year after claiming the conference championship. Doherty coached 62 all-conference selections and 23 All-Americans.
“I have enjoyed my time in Happy Valley and am so proud of all we have accomplished during my time at Penn State,” Doherty said in a release. “I would like to thank Pat Kraft for his support over the last three years, and Tim Curley for bringing me to this terrific university 15 years ago. I am so thankful to have worked with so many tremendous assistant coaches, student-athletes, and staff.
“We were able to develop these young women not only as lacrosse players but as students, leaders, and community members, and had a fun time doing it. I have so many fond memories of my time here and know Penn State women’s lacrosse has a bright future. I am ready for a new challenge and look forward to the future.”
Penn State finished the 2025 season 7-9, including a 5-3 Big Ten record.
A national search to find Doherty’s replacement is underway.
“I appreciate Missy’s contributions, and we are grateful for her dedication to Penn State and our women’s lacrosse program for the past 15 years,” Pat Kraft, vice president for intercollegiate athletics, said. “She has holistically developed the young women in her program to ensure they had a world-class experience during their time at Penn State while preparing them for life after lacrosse. We thank Missy for her efforts in leading our women’s lacrosse program and wish her and her family all the best in their future endeavors.”
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