Central Michigan University Athletics
Lacrosse Adds Katie Vahle to 2026 Coaching Staff
1/5/2026 4:06:00 PM | Lacrosse
After a decorated career in goal for Arizona State, Vahle makes her collegiate coaching debut with the Chippewas
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Central Michigan Lacrosse Head Coach Emilia Ward announced the hire of Katie Vahle (pronounced "valley") to her coaching staff Monday.
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"We are excited to have Katie joining the Chippewa family," Ward said. "Her passion and background in the sport is going to be invaluable to the program."
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Vahle recently concluded a standout career at Arizona State where she set the program's all-time mark in career saves (661)—which ranked third among all active NCAA I goalies at the end of the 2025 season. Her decorated tenure included all-tournament selections in both the Big 12 (2025) and PAC-12 (2022) championship events and seven conference-level weekly honors.
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"I'm honored to coach at such a special program with a group of talented young players," Vahle said, "and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Coach Ward. I'm excited to get started and see the team develop and succeed."
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The Manorville, N.Y.-native is two-time graduate of Arizona State with a master's in digital audience strategy to go with a bachelor's in sports business.
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During her playing career, Vahle offered her services in coaching at the youth level. She has spent the last four years as a volunteer assistant at her alma mater, Eastport South Manor High School, the last two with the Long Island Yellow Jackets and has provided private coaching for players aged 5-17 since June 2019.
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Central Michigan Lacrosse opens the 2026 campaign Feb. 8 at Notre Dame. The Chippewas host Robert Morris to open both the MAC slate and the CMU Lacrosse Complex March 14, Noon ET.
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"We are excited to have Katie joining the Chippewa family," Ward said. "Her passion and background in the sport is going to be invaluable to the program."
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Vahle recently concluded a standout career at Arizona State where she set the program's all-time mark in career saves (661)—which ranked third among all active NCAA I goalies at the end of the 2025 season. Her decorated tenure included all-tournament selections in both the Big 12 (2025) and PAC-12 (2022) championship events and seven conference-level weekly honors.
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"I'm honored to coach at such a special program with a group of talented young players," Vahle said, "and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Coach Ward. I'm excited to get started and see the team develop and succeed."
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The Manorville, N.Y.-native is two-time graduate of Arizona State with a master's in digital audience strategy to go with a bachelor's in sports business.
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During her playing career, Vahle offered her services in coaching at the youth level. She has spent the last four years as a volunteer assistant at her alma mater, Eastport South Manor High School, the last two with the Long Island Yellow Jackets and has provided private coaching for players aged 5-17 since June 2019.
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Central Michigan Lacrosse opens the 2026 campaign Feb. 8 at Notre Dame. The Chippewas host Robert Morris to open both the MAC slate and the CMU Lacrosse Complex March 14, Noon ET.
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