NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University women's lacrosse head coach Heather Holt has resigned, Holt announced on Wednesday.
"It has been an incredible honor to be part of the Old Dominion University Women's Lacrosse Program as a player and coach for the past 30 years. I am retiring from collegiate coaching and resigning as the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Old Dominion University. I am excited to spend more time with my family, watching my boys from the sidelines and to follow my oldest son Jackson through his Collegiate lacrosse career in the next year," Holt said.
"I would like to thank Heather Holt for committing the majority of her life to ODU and ODU athletics, specifically women's lacrosse. As a student, a student-athlete, an assistant coach and finally as our head coach for over a decade, Heather has poured her heart and soul into our women's lacrosse program. We will always be grateful for the many personal and family sacrifices she and her family have made for our program over the years," ODU Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig said. "Heather has attracted outstanding student-athletes of the highest character over her tenure. Annually women's lacrosse has excelled in the classroom and given back to our local community with thousands of hours of community service and volunteer efforts. Heather has been a valued athletic department team member who routinely showed up with her family for dozens of ODU athletic events throughout the year. ODU athletics thanks Coach Holt for her many contributions. She has certainly helped elevate the attractiveness of our ODU women's lacrosse program for our next head coach."
Holt has a record of 69-115 in 11 seasons as head coach of the program. She was an assistant coach at ODU for 12 seasons prior to that. Holt led the Monarchs to a 13-5 record in 2015 and to a 16-4 record, winning the ASUN Championship in 2016 and advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. ODU finished 5-12 this season.
"Thank you to the entire ODU Athletic Staff for their continued support over the years. I would like to personally thank my longtime assistant coach Ashley Waters for her dedication and hard work. Ashley was the glue that kept this program together. We worked side by side for many years, watching our families grow, and were lucky enough to do it around this amazing group of student-athletes. I would also like to thank my coach and mentor at ODU, Sue Stahl. Sue has taught me to live my life with strong moral beliefs and has helped me to grow into a confident woman. I look forward to cheering the team on as they continue to improve and reach new heights in the future," Holt said.
Holt, formerly Heather Walden, was a four-year starter at goalie for Old Dominion from 1992-95 and a senior on the first ODU championship team.
"Most importantly, I would like to thank all our players, past, present, and future. Our student-athletes always excelled in the classroom, in our community, and on the field. I am most proud of who they all are and who they have become. These are exceptional young women and will always hold a very special place in my heart. I thank you all for allowing me to be a part of your journey, " Holt said.
A national search will begin immediately for a new head coach.
Heather Holt Resigns as Women's Lacrosse Head Coach
Heather Holt