Downs Named Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach as Draper Announces Retirement

WORCESTER, Mass. – After 10 years as the head women’s lacrosse coach at Worcester State University, Deb Draper announced her retirement this week and the Athletic Department has promoted associate head coach, Kelly Downs, to the new head position.

“Kelly is very deserving of the opportunity to become our full-time lacrosse coach,” said Worcester State’s Director of Athletics, Michael Mudd. 

Downs came to Worcester State four years ago to assist with academic support and in 2014 moved into a full-time position as she was named the Coordinator of Student-Athlete Support Services where she helps with academic advising, student-athlete retention and assisting with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). She also tagged in as assistant coaches for both the field hockey and women’s lacrosse teams.

“She does a terrific job for our department in an administrative capacity keeping our student-athletes on plan to be successful in the classroom,” stated Mudd.   “Additionally, she has played an integral role in the success of our lacrosse and field hockey teams as an assistant coach.  She is ready and deserves the opportunity to manage her own program so I do not see a need to look elsewhere for a replacement due to Deb’s retirement.”

"I am very honored for the opportunity to become the head coach for Worcester State University women's lacrosse and I would like to thank Michael Mudd for supporting me in this new role,” stated Downs.  “There is a strong core returning on this team that has a great enthusiasm and love for the game and I am excited to continue working with them in the coming seasons.”

“Worcester State lacrosse is extremely thankful for the dedication and commitment Deb has put into this program over the past 10 years and we all wish her the best in her retirement," said Downs.

Draper registered an 86-73 record over her 10-year stint, marking a .541 winning percentage. Draper was named Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) coach of the Year in 2014 and brought her team to four-consecutive MASCAC post-season tournaments, and three Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) post-season tournaments in 2008, 2009, and 2013.

“I want to thank Deb Draper for all her hard work in developing our student-athletes and for being such a strong contributor to our athletic department,” stated Mudd.  “I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors and hope she remains a part of the Worcester State community for years to come.”