The coaching staff of the Colorado College women's lacrosse team was named the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Coaching Staff of the Year for the West Region, announced on Wednesday. 
 
Former head coach Susan "Stuey" Stuart, then-assistant coach and now head coach, Ashley Johnson, and assistant coaches Evelyn Pickett and Ryan Murphy led the Tigers to a program-high 18 wins and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. 
 
"What a tremendous honor," Stuart said. "I feel grateful for the moments we had with Army alums Evelyn and Ryan for sharing some of their valuable time and insights with our players, and blessed to have the gifted AJ with us for the last 4 years! I am ecstatic that she gets to continue elevating the program in the future."
 
CC was also named the Coaching Staff of the Year for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) after winning the regular season and tournament titles for the second consecutive year. 
 
It's the eighth time in Stuey's career that she has been named the IWLCA Region Coach of the Year, the last time being in 2019 after guiding CC to another 18-win season and the No. 1 ranking in the West Region. Stuey officially retired at the end of the season after 31 years at the helm, which consisted of 331 wins. 
 
Johnson was named only the second head coach in program history shortly after the season concluded, after spending the last four seasons as the assistant coach. It's the first regional Coaching Staff of the Year recognition for AJ. 
 
"We're ecstatic to be recognized as a West Region staff," Johnson said. "We had such a fun time on the sidelines this season, ending on a high note after 31 incredible years for Stuey, which made it all the more special. The energy of the team, along with the addition and support of Evelyn and Ryan, made this year's journey even more exciting!"
 
Murphy and Pickett joined the coaching staff before the season after competing for four years at Army West Point. Murphy played from 2017 to 2020, appearing in 46 career games. Pickett played from 2020-23 and played in 43 career games. Both were key components to the Black Knights' defense and were teammates during the shortened 2020 season.
 
This year, CC had eight players named IWLCA All-Region selections and 10 All-WIAC selections, including Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year.