Kean Introduces New Women’s Lacrosse Coach

By Matthew Sierra | Published November 8, 2023

As of Oct. 2nd, Sarah Lawshe is the new women’s lacrosse coach for Kean University. After a difficult 2023 season, Coach Sarah Lawshe will look to turn the team around for the 2024 season.

“It’s a great honor to be named the next head women’s lacrosse coach at Kean,” Lawshe said.

Lawshe will be taking over former head coach B.J. Johnson. After six seasons with the Cougars, Johnson has led the women’s lacrosse team to NJAC playoffs in all of her six seasons. Johnson has been elected as Assistant Director of Recreation and External Affairs, and Lawshe will take over the Cougars for this upcoming 2024 season.“

BJ Johnson remains at, I have the unique experience of being able to learn from her, ” Lawshe said. “BJ, along with many other coaches and admin, have made this smooth for me.”

Lawshe played for four years at Shippensburg University as a women’s lacrosse team defender. Thanks to her leadership and knowledge of the game, she became captain during her senior year. Prior to coming to Union, Lawshe earned her stripes as an assistant coach for conference rival Montclair State University from 2021 to 2023 and was head coach at Wilkes University from 2017 to 2021. 

Despite coaching rivals and playing for opposing schools, Lawshe seemed to fit right at home here at Kean. Coach Lawshe believes that being a head coach is more than drawing up plays and coming up with strategies.

“Athletic coaching is so much more than just the on-field X’s and O’s,” Lawshe said. “I thrive when I am able to make true connections withmy athletes off of the field.”

Lawshe believes in developing the full athlete and wants to help the team prepare for life outside of college athletics. Her goal is for her athletes to be comfortable coming to her about anything, and she wants to be able to support them in all aspects of life, not just lacrosse.

This unique approach to coaching has shown great success for Coach Lawshe. In her seven-plus years of coaching at the collegiate level, she has the player and coach connection down to a science.

“The team knows that I myself am an extremely hard worker and am dedicated to everything I do, yet I am still about to find enjoyment in my career,” Lawshe said. “I will lead them by example and create the environment where we are working hard and staying focused yet are able to breathe and share a laugh in between the grind.”

With a new season starting in March 2024, Coach Lawshe will lead the Cougars, including All-NJAC First team member Kylie Giordano, returning senior Lauren Pluta, and plenty of freshmen talent into the new season. Although Coach Lawshe wants to keep a fun but hard-working environment on the field, she wants to have the same impact off the field. 

“In games, we play for the entire 60 minutes with the same hunger and desire for success. In practice, we are going above and beyond in all drills. On campus, we are helping our fellow students; we are volunteering a helping hand; we are participating in events; we are going outside of our comfort zone and meeting new people,” Lawshe said. “Like I mentioned, there is so much more to collegiate athletics than just the sport itself. We are setting these athletes up for a successful life once they leave Kean.”

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