Delaware State University announced the appointment of Jillian Lontz as the first head coach of the university's lacrosse program in November 2011. This is her fifth year at DSU and the team's fourth season of competition.
During the 2015 season, the Hornets won two of their last three games. DSU posted its first-ever victory, 18-4 over District of Columbia; and ended the year with a 17-15 win over Howard.
Lontz was also instrumental in helping Delaware State lacrosee gain entry as a new affiliate member of the Atlantic Sun Conference starting in the 2017 season. The Hornets have participated as an NCAA Division I Independent since the program began in 2013.
“Women’s lacrosse continues to be one of the country’s fastest growing sports, and we are proud to add Delaware State University to our growing conference,” said A-Sun Commissioner Ted Gumbart. "Delaware State will be an outstanding addition and we look forward to the contributions its women’s lacrosse team will make to the A-Sun.”
A former standout at Wesley College in Dover, Lontz served as an assistant women's lacrosse coach at her alma mater prior to accepting the Dwelaware State position. During the 2011 season, Lontz helped guide Wesley to a team scoring record, while the Wolverines placed six players on the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) All-Academic Team.
As a player at Wesley, Lontz ranks fifth on the school's career list for caused turnovers and earned CAC All-Academic recognition throughout her career. A defensive standout, she was selected as the team's Most Valuable Player during her sophomore and junior seasons, and served as a team captain.
As a sophomore at Wesley, Lontz was the women's lacrosse representative on the Push the Rock All-Sportsmanship Team, selected by CAC coaches.
Lontz, a 2008 Wesley graduate, is a former girls lacrosse coach at Caesar Rodney High School (Del.) and a certified U.S. Lacrosse official.
"I'm grateful to Delaware State University for the opportunity to help develop the new women's lacrosse program," said Lontz. "This is a wonderful opportunity that I could not pass up."
Lontz credits Wesley College head women's lacrosse coach Debbie Windett, a Delaware high school coaching legend, with helping to prepare her for the move to DSU.
"Debbie has served as a mentor, sharing with me some of her vast knowledge of the game," Lontz said. "Building the lacrosse team from the ground up at Delaware State will be a challenge; but I'm excited about the opportunity to work with the university administration and staff to develop a quality program."
