St. Mary’s Ryken High School (SMR) is excited to announce the appointment of Katie Pappas, a distinguished alumna from the class of 2015, as the new Head Coach for the Girls Lacrosse team. Starting her role in the Spring season, Pappas brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to a program known for nurturing young talent.
Katie Pappas, heralded for her exceptional contributions as a student-athlete, has achieved significant milestones in her career. As a former Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Player of the Year and a notable competitor in both field hockey and lacrosse during her collegiate years at Drexel University, Pappas now transitions from her role as a Division I coach at the University of Richmond to helm the lacrosse program at her alma mater.
Under her guidance, the SMR Girls Lacrosse team anticipates a season of growth and renewed vigor. “The girls lacrosse team is a very young and talented group,” Pappas remarked. Her return to SMR is met with enthusiasm, both from the coaching staff and the athletes, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and the development of a robust sporting culture.
Athletic Director Jon Lombardo expressed confidence in Pappas’s leadership, highlighting her unique ability to foster a championship culture that transcends the field. “Coach Pappas will lead this young, talented team and staff to crucial development on the field while creating a championship culture and standard that transforms the student-athlete experience our girls lacrosse program offers,” Lombardo stated. Pappas’s deep understanding of the traits that contribute to success in young athletes, coupled with her extensive network within the sports community, positions her as an ideal figure to spearhead recruitment and inspire a new generation of student-athletes at SMR.
Pappas’s coaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with athletes, fostering a love for the game, and setting high standards for achievement. Her approach is not only aimed at excelling in competitions but also in nurturing well-rounded individuals who value teamwork, dedication, and personal growth.
The coaching staff at SMR, enriched by diverse talents and experiences, stands ready to support Pappas in her mission to elevate the Girls Lacrosse program to new heights. With strategic recruiting and a focus on developing the potential of each student-athlete, the team is poised for success in the upcoming seasons.
“Coach Pappas fosters a love for the game and cultivates a culture where striving for and achieving goals is the norm,” Lombardo added, emphasizing her role in empowering athletes of all skill levels to thrive and feel valued within the program.
As the SMR community welcomes Coach Katie Pappas back to her roots, there is a palpable sense of anticipation for the contributions she will bring to the Girls Lacrosse team. With a rich history of excellence in athletics, SMR looks forward to the innovative strategies and passionate leadership that Pappas is set to bring to the lacrosse field.
