5 Decisive Factors Shaping The Gardner-Webb Women's Lacrosse Program In 2025
The Gardner-Webb University Runnin' Bulldogs women's lacrosse team is navigating a pivotal period in the 2025 season, showcasing significant growth and competitive spirit within the rigorous Big South Conference. As of the current date, December 25, 2025, the team continues to build upon its foundation, emphasizing standout freshman performances and strategic leadership to climb the conference standings. The program, which began as the ninth women's lacrosse team in the Big South Conference, is now firmly established and focused on achieving its first major championship title.
This deep dive explores the critical components defining the Gardner-Webb women's lacrosse program today, from its key personnel and recruiting successes to its most memorable victories and future trajectory. The combination of seasoned coaching and an influx of young talent is setting the stage for an exciting chapter in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.
The 2025 Runnin' Bulldogs Roster and Coaching Staff
The success of any NCAA Division I program hinges on the synergy between its coaching staff and the talent on the field. The Gardner-Webb women's lacrosse team is led by Head Coach Chris Harris, who oversees the strategic direction of the Runnin' Bulldogs. The coaching staff also includes Assistant Coach Ellie Rumbaugh, with additional support from Graduate Assistants Jada Preston and Paige Harman. This cohesive unit is responsible for developing the team's promising roster.
Key Personnel Driving the Program
The 2025 roster features a mix of experienced veterans and impactful newcomers. The team's depth is a testament to the coaching staff's successful recruiting efforts. Key players to watch include:
- Katie Westbrook: A standout freshman whose immediate impact has been game-changing. Westbrook delivered a career-high performance, scoring five goals in a crucial win over Radford. She also netted a hat trick in a victory against Presbyterian, quickly establishing herself as a primary offensive threat.
- Emma Duchscherer: A junior who provides critical leadership and offensive production. Duchscherer also recorded a hat trick in the same victory over Presbyterian, demonstrating her consistency and importance to the attack unit.
- Kathryn Lehman: A junior from Senoia, Ga., who brings experience to the squad.
- Alexa Kleinberger and McKensie Gehris: Both freshmen, Kleinberger from Scranton, Pa., and Gehris from the Outer Banks, N.C., represent the future potential of the program.
The program’s recruiting pipeline remains strong, with the team adding 12 new players for the 2024-2025 academic year, ensuring competitive depth for years to come.
Key Victories and Standout Players in the Current Season
The 2025 season has been a battle in the Big South Conference, where every game is fiercely contested. The Gardner-Webb women's lacrosse team has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in conference play. As of the latest standings, the team holds a 3-5 conference record, placing them in the thick of the competition alongside programs like Winthrop.
The Radford Showdown
One of the most defining moments of the season was the team's decisive 13-10 victory over Radford. This game was a showcase for freshman Katie Westbrook, whose five goals propelled the Runnin' Bulldogs to the critical conference win. Such victories are vital for boosting team morale and improving the team's standing in the challenging Big South tournament race.
Road Wins and Conference Battles
The team has also secured important road wins, including a victory over Presbyterian where both Emma Duchscherer and Katie Westbrook dominated the scoring with three goals each. However, the schedule remains demanding, with tough matchups against top conference contenders like Furman and Wofford, who are leading the Big South standings. Non-conference play also tested the team early, with games against opponents like Youngstown State, Xavier, and Kennesaw State.
The ability to compete against a challenging schedule is a core component of the team's development. Every game, whether a win against a conference rival or a loss to a formidable opponent like Coastal Carolina (CCU), serves as a learning opportunity for the young Runnin' Bulldogs squad.
The Decisive Factors in Gardner-Webb Lacrosse Recruiting and Program Future
Looking beyond the current season's results, the long-term success of the Gardner-Webb women's lacrosse program is tied to its recruiting strategy, its commitment to academic excellence, and its place within the NCAA Division I landscape.
1. Strategic Recruiting and Talent Acquisition
The program actively seeks out talented athletes through various channels, including hosting prospect clinics to identify and evaluate future players. The commitment to bringing in a large, talented class—like the 12 new players for the 2024-2025 year—is a clear sign of the program's investment in building a sustainable, competitive culture. The addition of players like 2025 recruit Andrea Hartman, a defender from California, shows the team's expanding national reach in talent acquisition. The focus is on finding student-athletes who will thrive in the environment of Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, N.C.
2. Commitment to Academic Excellence
Gardner-Webb University places a high value on the academic success of its student-athletes. The lacrosse program has a history of academic achievement, with students being recognized for their performance in the classroom, including multiple recipients of the Big South Conference's annual Christenberry Award for Academic Excellence. This commitment to the "student" in student-athlete is a major draw for prospective recruits and a point of pride for the university.
3. Program History and Big South Conference Identity
The women's lacrosse program is relatively young, having celebrated its 10th season recently, making it a growing force in collegiate athletics. Being a member of the Big South Conference, which is a major NCAA Division I conference, provides high-level competition and national exposure. This identity is crucial for recruiting and for establishing a tradition of excellence. The program is continually striving to join the ranks of other successful Gardner-Webb athletic programs, such as the women's basketball team, which has secured Big South regular season and tournament championships.
4. The Impact of Coaching Stability
The stability and experience of Head Coach Chris Harris and his staff are critical factors. A consistent coaching philosophy allows players, especially freshmen like Westbrook, to develop quickly and integrate into the team's system effectively. The coaches are focused on developing all aspects of the game, from offensive strategy to defensive cohesion and game management.
5. Future Goals: Big South Tournament and Beyond
The ultimate goal for the Runnin' Bulldogs is to secure a spot in the Big South Women's Lacrosse Tournament and compete for the conference championship. With a solid core of returning players and an infusion of new talent, the team is positioning itself to make a serious run in the coming seasons. The performance of players like Westbrook and Duchscherer in key 2025 matchups demonstrates that the team has the firepower to compete with any opponent on their schedule.
Detail Author:
- Name : Arvel Fadel
- Username : buster.erdman
- Email : isom29@stracke.net
- Birthdate : 1981-09-30
- Address : 53179 Raynor Creek Port Anabellefurt, VT 55070-9348
- Phone : 872-421-5095
- Company : Okuneva-Padberg
- Job : Education Teacher
- Bio : Quia maiores explicabo numquam delectus ut. Enim fuga vero dolores fugit. Delectus ipsa dolor esse eligendi perferendis officia esse. Quam tempore magni eum corporis dolore.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@marion_xx
- username : marion_xx
- bio : Nihil amet tempore beatae ipsum natus ut rerum.
- followers : 5366
- following : 1837
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/mhickle
- username : mhickle
- bio : Ut beatae vitae necessitatibus. Dicta aperiam dolorem corrupti quia quasi numquam sit.
- followers : 2405
- following : 2580
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/marion922
- username : marion922
- bio : Maxime iste et eos fugit iure natus eaque id. Dicta quod quod distinctio animi.
- followers : 811
- following : 1688
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/marion_official
- username : marion_official
- bio : Quia minima explicabo est et expedita aut.
- followers : 3518
- following : 2605
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/hicklem
- username : hicklem
- bio : Non eos ut expedita maiores sed corrupti animi. Et et omnis nobis optio eaque. Neque vel impedit nemo rerum.
- followers : 5419
- following : 2363
