“Utilizing lacrosse as a platform for self-expression, character development, leadership skills for life are key components of the game I absolutely love. I value the uniqueness of each student-athlete, and it is so rewarding to watch their growth,” said newly-hired Winthrop lacrosse coach Kara Concheck.
After a short period at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), on January 18, Concheck made what she described as the “easy decision” to come coach Winthrop’s lacrosse team.
“Winthrop lacrosse has an immense amount of grit and passion for not only the game, but each other. I enjoy coaching at a high level, and building a culture of excellence on and off the field,” Concheck said. “It is clear the athletics department at Winthrop is continuing to build in a positive direction that values the student-athlete experience.”
This will be Concheck’s fifth collegiate coaching position, in addition to her time coaching at various clubs and clinics over the years. Before joining SCAD’s program, Concheck spent two seasons from 2019-2021 coaching at her alma mater, Fresno State.
“As a collegiate coach, relocating comes with the profession. This has given me valuable perspectives on how I’d like to continue to develop within my craft, promote the growth of the game, while developing each team I have been a part of,” Concheck said.
While in California, she led the Bulldogs to eight individual, program, and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) broken records, all while the team maintained a cumulative team GPA of 3.62.
As a high school student, Concheck earned multiple offers to play for Division I schools, but her academics prevented her from accepting those offers.
“I use my experiences as teaching moments, to encourage young student-athletes the importance of focusing on their academics,” Concheck said.
After finding a “wonderful home” at Fresno State as a student-athlete, Concheck was determined to flip her academic tendencies around.
“I became a Dean’s List student and had wonderful resources that continued to encourage and challenge me. On the playing field, I was able to utilize my athleticism and toughness while becoming more dynamic in my position. I am grateful for my experiences at Fresno State,” Concheck said.
After four years, Concheck graduated with a degree in outdoor recreation and natural resource management and left the field as the all-time leading scorer with All-MPSF academic and athletic team honors. She had also earned Fresno State’s Offensive Player of the Year back in 2014.
Now, with years of experience as both an athlete and a coach, Concheck said she is bringing her “authenticity and transformational leadership initiatives” to the Winthrop field.
“I encourage and embody vulnerability, self-growth, and joy. Each team I have had the privilege to coach knows I would run through a brick wall for them,” Concheck said.
Concheck strives to build trust among the team and “create opportunities on the field which highlight each player’s strengths.”
Both Concheck and her husband are Ohio natives, so when she isn’t coaching, they enjoy visiting family and seeking adventure in the outdoors with their three dogs: Montana, Ruby and Clifford.
Concheck is also an active CrossFit athlete, competing year-round with “an awesome community in a high-energy, inclusive, and competitive environment.”
“It is so important for a coach to have passion and selflessness. When passion is genuine, and a coach truly puts the team first, there is a stronger buy-in. There is no limit to how far we can go with our passion, while serving others,” Concheck said.
Upon completing the 2021 season, the Eagles were 3-3 in the Big South (placing them fourth in the conference) and 7-8 overall. With the 2022 season mere days away, Concheck and the team feel “reenergized and united.”
“Our main goals are to take the season one day at a time and to focus on each task at hand. While we focus on what we can control and each game plan, we will ultimately continue to progress in a positive direction. We are striving for a Big South Championship,” Concheck said.
The season opener will take place at 5 p.m. at East Carolina on Friday, Feb. 18. The Eagles will compete against Youngstown State for their first home game on Tuesday, March 8 at noon.
