Gators Lacrosse Adds Emma Ward as Assistant Coach
Thursday, June 11, 2026 | Lacrosse
Ward joins the Gators after playing five seasons at Syracuse from 2021-2025
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Lacrosse Head Coach Amanda O'Leary announced Thursday morning the addition of Emma Ward as an assistant coach for the Gators.
"We are thrilled to welcome Emma Ward to out Gator family as an assistant coach," Coach O'Leary said. "Emma's competitive spirit, leadership, and passion for the game has made her one of the best to play the game. Her knowledge of the game, commitment to excellence, and ability to connect with players makes her a tremendous addition to our coaching staff. We are excited to see the impact she will have on the continued success of Florida Lacrosse."
Before joining the Gators, Ward spent one year as a graduate assistant coach and team manager at Syracuse, her alma mater, in 2026. Ward was a member of a coaching staff that helped the Orange go 14-6 and reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"I am grateful and beyond excited for the opportunity to join such a historic and successful program at the University of Florida," Ward said. "Florida has long been one of the premier programs in collegiate lacrosse, and it's an honor to be a part of a program built on excellence and championship-level expectations. I'm excited to work alongside such an outstanding staff and learn from some of the best coaches in the game. I can't wait to contribute to the program's continued success, help develop our student-athletes both on and off the field, and represent Florida at the highest level."
Prior to coaching at Syracuse, Ward spent five seasons with the Orange as a player from 2021-2025. Ward made 83 appearances and 56 starts for the Orange, tallying 155 goals, 169 assists for 324 points, 38 ground balls, and nine caused turnovers. Ward's 169 assists are the all-time program record for career assists and is No. 7 on Syracuse's all-time points list. She is also one of two players in Syracuse history to have at least 150 career goals and 160 career assists and the seventh player in program history to record 300 career points.
During her final season at Syracuse, Ward led the team in points (76) and assists (46) while earning IWLCA All-Northeast First Team, Second Team All-ACC, IWLCA and All-ACC Academic Honor Roll, and USA Lacrosse and Inside Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American Honors. In her career, Ward was named an IWLCA First Team All-American in 2023, earned First Team IWLCA All-Northeast Region honors twice (2024, '25), earned three All-ACC nods (First Team in 2023, Second Team in '24 and '25), and earned All-ACC Academic in 2021, '23, '24, and '25.
Ward graduated from Syracuse with a bachelor's degree in psychology and forensic science in 2024, and later obtained her master's degree in forensic science in 2025.
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"We are thrilled to welcome Emma Ward to out Gator family as an assistant coach," Coach O'Leary said. "Emma's competitive spirit, leadership, and passion for the game has made her one of the best to play the game. Her knowledge of the game, commitment to excellence, and ability to connect with players makes her a tremendous addition to our coaching staff. We are excited to see the impact she will have on the continued success of Florida Lacrosse."
Before joining the Gators, Ward spent one year as a graduate assistant coach and team manager at Syracuse, her alma mater, in 2026. Ward was a member of a coaching staff that helped the Orange go 14-6 and reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"I am grateful and beyond excited for the opportunity to join such a historic and successful program at the University of Florida," Ward said. "Florida has long been one of the premier programs in collegiate lacrosse, and it's an honor to be a part of a program built on excellence and championship-level expectations. I'm excited to work alongside such an outstanding staff and learn from some of the best coaches in the game. I can't wait to contribute to the program's continued success, help develop our student-athletes both on and off the field, and represent Florida at the highest level."
Prior to coaching at Syracuse, Ward spent five seasons with the Orange as a player from 2021-2025. Ward made 83 appearances and 56 starts for the Orange, tallying 155 goals, 169 assists for 324 points, 38 ground balls, and nine caused turnovers. Ward's 169 assists are the all-time program record for career assists and is No. 7 on Syracuse's all-time points list. She is also one of two players in Syracuse history to have at least 150 career goals and 160 career assists and the seventh player in program history to record 300 career points.
During her final season at Syracuse, Ward led the team in points (76) and assists (46) while earning IWLCA All-Northeast First Team, Second Team All-ACC, IWLCA and All-ACC Academic Honor Roll, and USA Lacrosse and Inside Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American Honors. In her career, Ward was named an IWLCA First Team All-American in 2023, earned First Team IWLCA All-Northeast Region honors twice (2024, '25), earned three All-ACC nods (First Team in 2023, Second Team in '24 and '25), and earned All-ACC Academic in 2021, '23, '24, and '25.
Ward graduated from Syracuse with a bachelor's degree in psychology and forensic science in 2024, and later obtained her master's degree in forensic science in 2025.
Follow the Gators:
#FLax
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