NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion University Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Theresa Walton has resigned from her position, she announced on Tuesday.
“Coach Walton literally poured her heart and soul into her head coaching role at ODU,” Old Dominion University Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig said. “For that, we can’t thank Coach Walton enough for her dedication these last four years leading our women’s lacrosse program. Our women’s lacrosse program was always willing to give back in the local community and excelled in the classroom. They continued to make strides on the field under Coach Walton’s direction. I am excited for the future of ODU’s women’s lacrosse and again want to thank Coach Walton for her passion and commitment to our dedicated student-athletes, alumni, and friends of women’s lacrosse.”
In four seasons as head coach at ODU, Walton went 20-47 overall. Her best season was in 2025, when the Monarchs started 4-1, won its first American Conference game since 2021 with a 15-9 win over Charlotte, and finished with a record of 8-9.
“ODU has been an incredible University to work for these past four years,” Walton said. “Norfolk has so much to offer and I am beyond grateful for the administration and staff I had the privilege to work with. I feel honored to have coached each player I had the opportunity to get to know and step on the field with each day. I will continue to be a big fan of this program, and I know this team will begin to chase championships in the AAC. I wish nothing but the best for this program moving forward. Thanks to everyone I’ve learned from and shared time with. These relationships through lacrosse and athletics I will forever cherish.”
Walton had four players earn American All Conference honors in her tenure, beginning with Katie McGrain in 2023, followed by Emma Arnold earning first team honors in 2024, and Sarah Murrell and McKenzie Raech receiving all-conference accolades in 2025. Murrell was named American Conference Freshman of the Year to go along with first team honors.
“Under Theresa’s guidance, the lacrosse program was always one of our most visible programs in the community giving back to the Hampton Roads area,” Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director Danielle Cohea said. “Her student-athletes also dominated in the classroom. In her four years, she had more than 70 student-athletes on American Conference All-Academic honors. We appreciate Theresa’s hard work and sacrifice these last four years.”
A national search for a replacement will begin immediately.