MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – The University of Mount Olive has officially named Katherine Stachowski as the next head coach of its women’s lacrosse program, the school announced Monday.

Stachowski arrives in Mount Olive following a standout five-year stint as an assistant coach at Limestone University, where she helped build one of the top programs in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). During her tenure, the Saints compiled a 69-19 overall record and a dominant 42-8 mark in conference play. Her time at Limestone was highlighted by back-to-back SAC Tournament championships in 2024 and 2025, along with two NCAA Tournament appearances.

“We are excited for Coach Stachowski to join our Trojan Family,” said Mount Olive Director of Athletics Joey Higginbotham. “Her passion for developing relationships with young people is what stood out to us. We are confident she will lead our women’s lacrosse program to continued success on and off the field.”

While at Limestone, Stachowski coached 33 All-SAC honorees, including multiple-time All-American Bailey Stumpf, a two-time SAC Defensive Player of the Year. The program also boasted numerous IWLCA All-Region and All-American selections under her guidance.

“I’m honored to be selected as the next Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Mount Olive,” said Stachowski. “Since its inception, this program has proven its ability to compete at a championship level. I’m excited to work alongside these student-athletes as we pursue their goals with relentless passion. I’d like to thank Joey Higginbotham and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity.”

Before her time at Limestone, Stachowski spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at North Central College, where the Cardinals went 19-4 over her tenure. She served as co-defensive coordinator and mentored standout defender Christina Truver, who was named the 2019 CCIW Defensive Player of the Year and led NCAA Division III in ground balls per game. The team opened the 2020 season 5-0 before it was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A native of the Midwest, Stachowski had a distinguished playing career at Transylvania University. The four-time All-Ohio River Lacrosse Conference (ORLC) selection started more than 60 games for the Pioneers and served as a two-time team captain. As a senior, she led the team to a conference title and an NCAA Tournament appearance.

Stachowski earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in mathematics from Transylvania in 2018. She later completed her master’s degree in leadership development, specializing in sport leadership, at North Central College.

Stachowski becomes the latest addition to a growing Mount Olive athletics department that has built a reputation for championship-level competition and holistic student-athlete development.