Completed Event: Women's Lacrosse at #4 Florida on May 15, 2025 , Loss , 9, to, 11
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Women's Lacrosse
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Kimel Announces Staffing Changes
9/22/2023 5:06:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
DURHAM – Duke head women's lacrosse coach Kerstin Kimel announced Friday staffing changes for the 2023-24 season.
Nick Williams is elevated to associate head coach while Kimel added Sarah Cooper to the Blue Devil coaching staff.
"I am pleased to announce Nick's well deserved promotion to Associate Head Coach," Kimel said. "As a 13 year coaching veteran serving in different capacities in multiple programs, Nick has brought a wealth of experience to our program and coaching staff. His work with our student-athletes has continued to elevate both defensive and goalkeeping units on a national level and we look forward to continuing that success into the 2024 season."
Williams joined the Duke women's lacrosse program in August of 2019 as an assistant coach, primarily working with the defensive unit.
Under Williams, Duke emerged as one of the nation's top defensive powerhouses. Most recently in 2023, Williams' defense led the ACC in caused turnovers/game with 192 and 10.67/game and finished the year ninth nationally. He also helped spearhead a defensive unit that has led the ACC in caused turnovers the last three years.
He helped mentor 2023 graduate defender Cubby Biscardi, who amassed 110 career caused turnovers to rank fifth in program lore. A second team All-ACC, IWLCA first team All-South Region selection and third team IWLCA All-American, Biscardi finished the spring campaign 14th nationally with 2.11 caused turnovers/game and led the ACC.
"Duke is a special place that attracts amazing student-athletes," Williams said. "I am extremely lucky to be able to work with the best head coach in the business and work on the best staff in the country. The players on this team make me a better coach every day, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to work at such an incredible institution."
Cooper comes to Durham following a successful undergraduate career at Syracuse. As one of the Orange's top defenders in recent years, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Blue Devils.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Sarah to our staff," Kimel said. "She was a fantastic player and leader during her time at Syracuse. It is already clear that she possesses a maturity and professionalism that is beyond her years and I am confident that she is going to make a significant impact on the development of our student-athletes!"
She ended her career at Syracuse ranked second on the career caused turnover list with 98 and was tabbed an IWLCA third team All-America selection after leading a Syracuse defense that held opponents to less than 10 goals seven times.
She was named a 2022 Tewaaraton Award nominee as one of five defenders named to the list of 25 players. After a standout freshman campaign, Cooper was honored as the 2019 ACC Freshman of the Year.
"I am so excited to join the Duke coaching staff and community," Cooper said. "The school, the team and the coaches have been nothing but welcoming! I am so grateful and excited to be here! Go Duke!"
Additionally, Kimel announced that volunteer assistant coach, Morgan Heisman, is moving to a non-coaching/director of operations role for the 2023-24 campaign.
For more information on Duke women's lacrosse, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "DukeWLAX.
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
D
/ Women's LacrosseKerstin Kimel James Madison Postgame Press Conference 5-9
Friday, May 09
Kerstin Kimel Media Availability 5-7
Wednesday, May 07
Kerry Nease Media Availability 5-7
Wednesday, May 07
Madison Beale Media Availability 5-7
Wednesday, May 07
