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Nikolena Samac

Lauren Simko Selected as Next Head Coach of JCU Women's Lacrosse

| By: JCUSID

Simko sports 11 years of head coaching experience

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – A veteran, successful coach is set to take over the helm of John Carroll Women's Lacrosse.

Following the departure of Kelsey Shewbridge, the Blue Streaks will have a talented new leader for the program.

Lauren Simko, an 11-year veteran head coach, will become the fourth head coach in JCU Women's Lacrosse history. Simko most recently guided the Ashland University program.

"We are very excited to welcome Lauren Simko to John Carroll University.  Lauren brings years of head coaching experience and a proven track record," said Vice President of Athletics Brian Polian '97. "As an evaluator and recruiter, she has established strong relationships throughout the lacrosse community and has consistently attracted top talent.  Most importantly, she is a wonderful person with terrific energy who will fit seamlessly into our department and campus community.  We are thrilled to officially welcome the Simko's into our family of Blue Streaks."

Simko guided Ashland's nascent program to new heights over the course of five seasons. In 2026, Simko guided the Eagles to the program's first NCAA Division II playoff victory and a program-record 16 wins.

Simko steered Ashland to back-to-back Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament titles in 2025 and 2026. Ashland made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament with the automatic bid. In 2024, Simko led the Eagles to the program's first winning season and first conference tournament victory. 

In each of the last seasons, Simko has garnered G-MAC Coach of the Year honors. Without a doubt, Simko molded the young program into a perennial contender. She departs Ashland with a 50-28 record. 

Simko previously guided Ursuline College during two shortened pandemic seasons in 2020 and 2021. In her second season with the Arrows, Simko won G-MAC Coach of the Year recognition.  

From 2017-19, Simko served as the head coach at the University of Findlay. Simko guided the Oilers to the 2019 G-MAC championship. In total, she compiled 32 wins over three seasons, including a 15-4 record in 2018. She coached 13 all-conference selections and four all-region picks.

Simko led two Division III programs for a season apiece, guiding the University of Dallas in 2016 and Cornell College in 2015.

"I would like to thank Brian Polian and the search committee for the opportunity to lead John Carroll Women's Lacrosse," said Simko. "Throughout this process, it was evident that everyone is invested in the success of JCU Women's Lacrosse and providing the student-athletes with an exceptional experience." 

Her college coaching career began at Lake Erie College, where Simko got her start as a graduate assistant. Simko acquired her Master's in Business Administration. Simko is a 2011 graduate of Lees-McRae (N.C.) College, where she played lacrosse for four years.

At both Ashland and Findlay, Simko immediately improved on the win total from the previous season, with a strong track record of elevating programs. 

The Blue Streaks notched a 9-7 record in 2026 in the program's first year in the North Coast Athletic Conference. John Carroll reached the NCAC Tournament Semifinal. 

"I am excited to join a community with a rich history of competitive excellence and strong academics," said Simko. "I can't wait to get to work and build on the program's foundation."
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