Coaches

Deanna Thorpe

Cairn University's inaugural Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Deanna Thorpe, leads the Highlanders into the 2023 season.


Coach Thorpe has a wealth of playing and coaching experience over her career. A highly-decorated player, Coach Thorpe played at the University of Maryland, winning two NCAA Division I National Championships in 1996 and 1997 and an ACC Championship the first year the women's team was invited to play in the conference in 1997. In addition to her success on the field, Deanna was a Scholar-Athlete as well in both 1996 and 1997. With an extensive history in the game, Coach Thorpe has been coached by Cindy Timchal (Head Coach Navy) and played with Cathy Nelson (Head Coach University of Maryland).


After an illustrious playing career, Thorpe quickly began her coaching career, racking up diverse experience by spending time coaching girl's lacrosse at St. Mary's rec, indoor lacrosse for the Quick Stix, and later Annapolis Area Christian School. At AACS, Coach Thorpe led the Eagles to a second place finish in just her second year, with the team primed for a championship run in 2020 before the season was postponed.


Coach Thorpe had this to say about coaching the Highlanders, "We will be ambassadors for Christ while elevating the game of women's lacrosse through dedication, respect, and integrity for others. I really enjoyed my college experience because I was a part of something bigger than myself, and I hope to instill that in my team as well. I look forward to living out and sharing my faith in Christ, and watching how Christ will transform them!"


Deanna and her husband Graham live in Southampton, PA with their four children.