Coaches

Emilia Ward

Emilia Ward was named the second lacrosse coach in Central Michigan history in July, 2022 by Zyzelewski Family Associate Vice President/director of athletics Amy Folan.


Ward served as a volunteer assistant coach at Michigan in 2022 and before that was an assistant at Marquette from 2020-21. She also coached at Northern Michigan from 2015-19, serving as the inaugural leader of the program.


In 2022 at Michigan, Ward worked with the goalkeepers, a unit that ranked second in the Big Ten, and was among the top 10 in the nation, in goals against average and save percentage as the Wolverines advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament.


Ward helped goalie Arielle Weissman to a bevy of postseason honors: Inside Lacrosse All-America second team, Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association All-America third team, USA Lacrosse Magazine All-America honorable mention, IWLCA West/Midwest All-Region first team and second team All-Big Ten.


During Ward's time at Marquette, she worked directly with the defense and goalkeepers. She also handled operations duties and served as the academic liaison as the program compiled a 3.45 cumulative grade point average during her two seasons.


Ward helped Sophia Leva to 2021 All-BIG EAST honors, the first Marquette goalie in history to earn the honor, after she led the conference in saves, saves per game and save percentage. In 2020 under Ward's leadership, Marquette ranked second in the Big East in saves per game and save percentage. Leva set the season program record for save percentage and Jules Horning broke the career record for saves.


Along with starting the Northern Michigan program, Ward also started the program at Kalamazoo College in 2014. Ward led her 2019 NMU team to a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament berth. She also served as an assistant at Adrian College from 2009-11.


Ward earned four letters at Manhattan College from 2005-08. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications in 2008. She earned a master’s in sports science from the US Sports Academy in 2013.