Lacrosse head coach Julika Blankenship has decided to step away from coaching with a desire to spend more time with her two young children and husband.
“I am excited about the next chapter for the Olliver family. I also can’t wait to be with my babies on weekends all spring long. It’s time that they get the Momma they deserve,” Blankenship said in an Instagram post on Dec. 22.
In that post, Blankenship accredited lacrosse for bringing her husband, best friends, traveling, and numerous valuable lessons into her life. Although it was a voluntary choice for Blankenship to step away from coaching now, interim athletic director and head volleyball coach Chuck Rey hopes to make athletics more manageable for coaches who are mothers.
“We have to be better about this — in terms of schools, athletic directors, athletic programs — in helping women that are parents to be able to keep their jobs, and want to continue to thrive in their jobs when they have kids,” he said.
When Blankenship became an Eagle in June of 2016, she was only the second lacrosse head coach in Winthrop’s history. Blankenship’s first year at Winthrop resulted in an overall 9-10 record for the Eagles.
“We are saddened by Coach Blankenship leaving, but we understand that she had to do what was best for her family and their future,” junior midfielder Molly Dankowski said.
“Coach Blankenship, she was awesome. She’s built a really great program here, and it’s in a great place for the next coach,” said Rey.
During her time at Winthrop, Blankenship collected a 31-27 overall record while appearing in two Big South Conference championships. She coached eight players to All-Conference First Team honors, five to All-Conference Second Team honors, one All-Academic and one All-Conference honorable mention.
“I am so grateful for the bosses, administrators and AD’s that took a chance on me at various points in my career and allowed me to fail while supporting my process and trusting in my plan. I am grateful for the many assistant coaches that have been a part of my programs. I appreciate you, I love you and I’m so lucky to have you as a part of my family forever,” Blankenship said in her Instagram post.
According to Rey, the athletic department is getting “really close” to announcing the hire of a new lacrosse coach.
“We’re really just working through background checks and paperwork-type stuff. It could be as soon as, and we hope, sometime next week. No later than the end of this month because their season is obviously starting up,” Rey said.
The team ended 7-8 overall in the 2021 season after a tough 8-21 loss at High Point in the Big South Tournament.
“I am looking forward to playing games and cheering on my teammates this coming season. Our team is very excited for the season coming up. We had a great fall and feel prepared for what is ahead of us this Spring,” Dankowski said.
The Eagles travel to Greenville on Feb. 18 to compete against East Carolina for the first lacrosse match of the season.
“I can’t wait to watch my amazing athletes from Winthrop dominate this year and forever. I love you with my whole heart and thank you for trusting in me. We sure have had some wonderful times,” Blankenship said in her Instagram post.
