Coaches

Taylor (Christensen) Ward

Colorado State University Pueblo Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Partnerships Dr. Paul Plinske has announced the promotion of Taylor (Christensen) Ward to the permanent role of head women's lacrosse coach for the ThunderWolves.


Ward served as the program's interim head coach during the 2022 spring season and will now have the interim tag removed while being promoted to become just the second head coach in the program's history.


"Taylor began her tenure as an interim coach in January 2023. Starting mid-year and serving as an interim is difficult at any level, but Taylor worked tirelessly to build a strong team culture while instilling her own game plan," Dr. Plinske said. "She impressed us with her vision for success in women's lacrosse at CSU Pueblo. Her competitive drive, knowledge of the game and passion for the student-athlete will make her a very successful coach. I'm excited to watch her grow in this role and make this program her own.


Ward, who is a 2019 graduate of CSU Pueblo, will enter her fourth season at her alma mater during the 2023-24 academic year after serving as an assistant coach during the 2020 and 2021 seasons and serving as the interim head coach during the 2023 season.


"I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and I am looking forward to seeing where we can take this program," Ward said. "This has always been one of my biggest goals as a professional, so I am excited to lead this team and program! Go Pack!"


During her four-year playing career with the Pack from 2016-19, Ward totaled 142 points and scored 108 goals, along with 34 assists in 60 games played. The 108 goals and 142 points scored second most in the program's history. In addition, she is the school's all-time leader in ground balls (191), draw controls (224) and caused turnovers (113). She was a three-time All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) selection, including earning Second-Team All-RMAC honors as a senior in 2019.


Prior to being named the interim head coach in January 2022, Ward served as the girls' lacrosse coach at Pueblo West High School.


Ward, who is a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., prepped at Discovery Canyon and earned All-Conference honors in 2013 and 2014. As a senior, she scored 32 goals and added 15 assists for a total of 47 points. She recorded 53 ground balls and 122 in her high school career and earned 56 draw controls as a senior.