Robert Morris University

RMU Department of Athletics
6001 University Boulevard Moon Township, PA 15108

Division 1 Pennsylvania Northeast

Private Small National competitor

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Coaches

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Courtney Grove

Courtney Grove was named head coach of the RMU women's lacrosse program July 5, 2023.

"We're thrilled with the addition of Courtney as the new leader of our women's lacrosse program," King said. "Her vision for our program stood out throughout the interview process, as Courtney embodies the key characteristics of what we were looking for in our next head coach. She is passionate about serving as the next head women's lacrosse coach at RMU, is a relationship builder and emphasized the importance of the player-to-coach relationship. Most importantly, Courtney understands the importance of serving, mentoring and leading our student-athletes on and off the field."

Grove, a native of Boyertown, Pa., joins RMU after spending the last 10 years as head coach at Seton Hill. The last decade marked her second tenure as head coach with the Griffins, as she also led the program for four seasons from 2008 to 2011 before being named the first assistant coach in program history at Marquette. Grove spent two seasons as the top assistant with the Golden Eagles before returning to the Greensburg, Pa., campus.

"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to be the next head women's lacrosse coach at RMU and I promise to give the program everything that I have to offer," Grove said. "I would like to thank athletic director Chris King and the search committee for the chance to lead this program. I played against Robert Morris in college and have followed the program closely since my time as a student-athlete and am looking forward to building on the tradition that has been established."

While leading Seton Hill over the last decade, Grove helped guide the Griffins to an overall record of 106-64 (.624), including a mark of 76-31 (.710) in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Grove guided Seton Hill to each of the last three PSAC West Division crowns, compiling an overall mark of 42-13 (.764), including 32-2 (.941) in conference action, from 2021 to 2023. The Griffins appeared in two of the last three finals of the PSAC Championship and also earned automatic bids to each of the last four NCAA Division II Tournaments (2019, 2021-23).

"Courtney's core values aligned with our department core values, and she understands the importance of maintaining the championship level of success that RMU women's lacrosse has become accustomed to," King said. "Everyone involved in the hiring process was equally impressed, and we're excited to have Courtney represent the women's lacrosse program as the next head coach at Robert Morris University."

Grove is a four-time PSAC Coach of the Year honoree (2014, 2019, 2021, 2023), and her student-athletes have won numerous PSAC postseason awards and all-conference accolades. Last season, Makayla Kinter was named the 2023 PSAC West Defender of the Year, while Mila Udovicic was tabbed 2023 West Freshman of the Year.

The award for Kinter marked her second consecutive PSAC West Defender of the Year plaudit, as she was also honored in 2022. That season the Griffins swept the West Division awards, with Jaclyn Frank tabbed the 2022 PSAC West Athlete of the Year while Megan Bunker was named the 2022 West Freshman of the Year. In 2021, Kristi Kada collected PSAC West Athlete of the Year honors.

Grove is a 2007 graduate of Duquesne with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. A student-athlete for the Dukes, Grove appeared in 68 games, including 66 starting assignments, and finished with 118 points courtesy of 93 goals and 25 assists. She concluded her career ranked in the top 10 in program history in eight different categories. As a senior in 2007, Grove was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team, a year after earning honorable mention accolades.

Grove and her husband, Matt, have two daughters, Mia and Brooke, and a son, Austin.

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Emma Simmers

Emma Simmers was named associate head coach for the Colonials in August of 2023.

"I am so excited to welcome Emma Simmers to the RMU family," RMU head coach Courtney Grove said. "Having worked with Emma a number of years I know her talent as both a coach and a Pittsburgh standout player will be invaluable as she molds the Robert Morris defense. I look forward to watching her positively impact another team."

Simmers, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., joins RMU after spending the last five years as an assistant coach at Seton Hill. In her five seasons in Greensburg, Pa., Simmers helped guide the Griffins to an overall record of 56-25 (.691), including a mark of 41-6 (.872) in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). She helped pace Seton Hill to each of the last three PSAC West Division championships, compiling an overall mark of 42-13 (.764) and a 32-2 (.941) mark in conference action, from 2021 to 2023. The Griffins appeared in two of the last three finals of the PSAC Championship and also earned automatic bids to each of the last four NCAA Division II Tournaments (2019, 2021-23).

"I am very happy for the opportunity to continue my coaching career at RMU," Simmers said. "A massive thank you to Coach Grove and the RMU staff for trusting in my ability to help move the women's lacrosse program forward. I cannot wait to start working with the team and see what we can achieve together."

Under the direction of Simmers as the defensive coordinator and goalie coach, Seton Hill had numerous student-athletes receive PSAC postseason accolades as well as all-conference honors. In 2023, Makayla Kinter was named the PSAC West Defender of the Year for the second consecutive season as she earned the honor in 2022. She was also awarded IWLCA All-American status for the third straight season while being a PSAC West First Team selection in 2023. Along with Kinter, graduate student goalkeeper Kyleigh Hessian was chosen to the PSAC West First Team after ranking fourth in the conference in saves percentage (.471) and goals against average (9.84). Hessian also collected 164 total saves, which ranked sixth in the PSAC.

While at Seton Hill, Simmers worked as a youth and adult program assistant at the Greensburg YMCA. She provided instruction and coaching techniques for a variety of sports while also enforcing discipline on and off the playing field. Prior to her stint at Seton Hill, Simmers worked as the assistant lacrosse coach for Upper St. Clair high school.

Simmers is a 2015 graduate of Seton Hill, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). She is no stranger to the Griffins lacrosse program as she was one of the most decorated student-athletes to play for Seton Hill. Simmers was a two-time IWLCA All-American as well as a two-time IWLCA First Team All-Region honoree during her junior and senior campaigns. She was awarded All-PSAC West First Team accolades twice while securing All-ECC honors as a sophomore.