University of District of Columbia

Washington, DC 20008

Dist of Columbia Northeast

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Zhane' Ruffin

Athletic Director, Patricia Thomas has announced the promotion of Zhane Ruffin to Women's Lacrosse Head Coach. Ruffin was hired back in 2018 to serve as the Assistant Coach.

"Zhane' Ruffin has continued to grow professionally since she joined the Firebird staff," said AD Thomas. "During this past year, she stepped up and provided outstanding leadership for our women's lacrosse program. She is active in the IWLCA and is engaged in the community. Coach Ruffin is an effective administrator and is a successful recruiter. I am confident she will effectively manage and take our program higher and higher in the competitive East Coast Conference."

Ruffin received her Masters of professional studies in Sport Industry Management from Georgetown University and her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management at Methodist University, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

During her playing career Ruffin became Medthodist University Women's Lacrosse Captain in 2016. She was awarded as USA South Academic All- Conference and USA South All-Sportsmanship team. She also served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Prior to her arrival at UDC, Ruffin was completing her Masters of Professional Studies in Sport Industry Management from Georgetown University. Before her time at Georgetown, Ruffin did her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management at Methodist University, Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Ruffin was also a camp counselor and instructor at the Lenny Simpson One Love Tennis Program in 2014 to 2015, where she played a big part in instructing children on healthy lifestyles, providing advice, and becoming a mentor to many of the children.

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Keisha Gills

Keisha Gills started as an assistant coach of the women's lacrosse team in October 2021.

Gills was working as a Youth development professional at the Brigade Boys and Girls Club prior to accepting her position at UDC. She also served as an EC Teachers Assistant at the New Hanover High School.

Keisha received her bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Psychology from William Peace University in Raleigh, NC. During her time at William Peace, she was also a member of the women's lacrosse program and was a recipient of the William Peace University Women's Lacrosse Sportsmanship Award.

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Matthew Marrett

The University of the District of Columbia's Director of Athletics Patricia Thomas, announced the promotion of Matthew Marrett to Head Coach in August 2023.

Marrett served as the Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach for a little over a year, before being promoted to Head Coach.

As a Student-Athlete Marrett was involed heavily in Game day operations for multiple sports at UDC and has served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Firebirds for over eight years. His experiences include sports coach and coordinator for Capital Language Services and assistant lacrosse coach for MADLAX Sports and Winners Lacrosse.

In his most recent role, Marrett served as the Case Manager/Supervisor for the Maryland Board of Child Care where he mamnaged over 50 youth treatment plans. His duties included organizing and soliciting participation in recreational activities for staff members, motivating and supporting youth in achieving satisfactory academic performances, deescalating challenging behaviors and documenting schedules, plans and intentions for his unit.