Kayla Treanor: New Era for Penn State Women’s Lacrosse

Penn State University has officially welcomed Kayla Treanor as the new head coach for its women’s lacrosse program. Treanor, a distinguished athlete and previous head coach at Syracuse, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Happy Valley. She is expected to steer the Nittany Lions toward future championships and success.

Recently announced by Penn State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Patrick Kraft, the hiring of Treanor marks a pivotal moment for the Nittany Lions. “We are thrilled to welcome Kayla Treanor to our Penn State family as our women’s lacrosse head coach,” Kraft stated. “Her unparalleled experience as both a player and coach makes her the perfect leader for our program.”

A Stellar Coaching Record

During her time at Syracuse, Treanor compiled an impressive record of 59-24 and led the team to four NCAA tournament appearances. Her coaching prowess was evident as she guided the Orange to back-to-back National Semifinal bids in 2023 and 2024. With a strong commitment to fostering student-athlete development, Treanor has swiftly built her reputation in the lacrosse community.

“I’m honored to be named the head coach of Penn State Women’s Lacrosse,” said Treanor. She expressed her gratitude towards the university, emphasizing Penn State’s commitment to winning at the highest level. “Our sights are set on bringing a National Championship to Happy Valley, and I’m excited to lead this team into a new era of success,” she added.

Achievements at Syracuse

Four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
Produced multiple All-Americans, including Meghan Tyrell, a two-time Tewaaraton Award finalist.
Possessed the number one strength of schedule in the country in 2024 and 2025.

Treanor’s guidance played a crucial role in the achievements of Syracuse’s women lacrosse team. The 2024 season saw Syracuse winning the ACC regular-season title and continuing to dominate opponents by keeping them under ten goals in numerous games. Under Treanor’s mentorship, several players broke records, including Emma Ward, who became Syracuse’s all-time assists leader.

Player Development and National Recognition

Kayla Treanor’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed on the national stage. In September 2024, she was appointed as an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s Senior National Team, which is preparing for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Japan. This role further solidifies Treanor’s influence and standing within the sport.

Prior to her role at Syracuse, Treanor honed her coaching skills at Boston College as associate head coach, where she contributed to the Eagles reaching the NCAA Championship game three times. Her experience includes mentoring notable athletes, helping them achieve prestigious awards like the Tewaaraton Award.

From Player to Coach

Kayla Treanor’s journey began as a talented player at Syracuse, leading her team to four straight Championship Weekend appearances. She is celebrated as one of the top athletes in the program’s history, being the only player to earn IWLCA first-team All-America honors throughout all four years. As a professional player, she even showcased her skill with Team USA, helping the team secure gold medals in the 2017 and 2022 World Championships.

Her legacy includes holding the record for most goals and points in U.S. Lacrosse history. This extensive experience as both a player and coach adds significant value to her leadership of the Penn State Women’s Lacrosse program.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future

As Kayla Treanor steps into her new role, the Penn State women’s lacrosse community is buzzing with excitement. With her proven track record, clear vision for success, and dedication to developing young athletes, the future looks bright for the Nittany Lions. Fans can anticipate a thrilling season ahead as Treanor leads the team in pursuit of greatness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kayla Treanor’s coaching record?

Kayla Treanor has a coaching record of 59 wins and 24 losses during her tenure at Syracuse.

What awards and recognitions has Kayla Treanor received?

Treanor is a decorated athlete, receiving IWLCA first-team All-America honors four times and coaching multiple All-Americans.

What are Treanor’s goals for the Penn State women’s lacrosse team?

Her primary goal is to bring a National Championship to Penn State while fostering the development of student-athletes.