Ashland University director of athletics Al King announced Wednesday (Feb. 17) the hiring of Mike Jewell as the interim women’s lacrosse coach for the upcoming season.
 
Jewell is currently the vice president and head girls coach at the Wooster Lacrosse Club. He is a 28-year veteran of the Wooster Police Department.
 
“I appreciate Mike's willingness to come forward and help us,” King said. “He's been around the game as an official and as a key figure in the Wooster Lacrosse Club. Mike understands the game and he's been involved in several grassroots programs. There will be a learning curve and Mike knows that. We have people on staff who can help him with questions that arise.”
 
Jewell is also a certified COWLA collegiate women’s lacrosse and NEOLA high school girls lacrosse official.   
 
“My level of excitement for this position and for this program is immeasurable,” Jewell said. “I am excited to be able to train, lead and watch these young women compete. My excitement doesn’t end with just this season. I have already started looking into recruiting and building the program over the coming years. It is my goal to build this lacrosse program and take it to the championship level.”
 
Jewell is taking over a program that went 5-11 in its first season in 2019. The Eagles were 2-4 in 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic suspended play last March.
 
“I look forward to helping these young adults grow as players and students,” said Jewell. “The team is looking forward to trying some new practices, strength and conditioning, and running different schemes during games. Most importantly, we look forward to bonding together as a team and as friends and embracing the love we have for the sport.”
 
“We're asking Mike to focus on the well-being of the student-athletes and prepare them the best he can,” King said. “A position like this is something Mike's wanted to try and he's determined to give it his best shot. His desire and commitment will be shared by our student-athletes. He's pouring his heart and soul into this. You can't ask for much more."
 
Jewell is a graduate of the State of Ohio Highway Patrol Academy, the FBI Law Enforcement Development Academy and the Police Executive Leadership Academy.

He and his wife, Beth, reside in Wooster and have three children. Mike enjoys running, exercise and spending time with his family.