Following five seasons guiding Ashland University's women's lacrosse program to steady gains and new heights, head coach
Lauren Simko has announced her resignation.
Simko was announced as the head coach of John Carroll's women's lacrosse team on Friday (Aug. 21) afternoon.
"When we hired Lauren our lacrosse program was in disarray on and off the field," said Ashland Director of Athletics
Al King. "She patiently and efficiently rebuilt the entire program. The excitement around the program the last several years was what we envisioned when we added women's lacrosse. But we needed an architect who could bring that to campus. We'll always be indebted to Lauren for the work she's done here. We'll miss her on and off the field, she was a joy to be around.
"We wish her the best as she takes over at John Carroll."
Said Simko, "I would like to thank
Al King, and the entire Ashland community, for all of the support for the last five years. I leave Ashland with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. To the players and parents, thank you. The program would not be where it is today without your commitment and dedication."
Beginning with the 2022 season, Simko moved the Eagles from six wins to nine in 2023, 11 in 2024, 14 in 2025 and 16 this past spring. She ends her AU tenure at 56-39 (.589), leading the program to a Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular-season title, a Great Midwest Tournament championship and a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs in each of the last two campaigns.
On May 7, 2026, Ashland earned the program's first NCAA postseason victory, 12-9, in Indianapolis, Ind., against Grand Valley State.
Simko was named the Great Midwest co-Coach of the Year in 2024, and the circuit's outright Coach of the Year each of the last two springs.
