Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson
Opening Statement
“Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for joining us for the official introduction of Tayrn VanThof as our new Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach. We’re thrilled with that. After the resignation of Coach McCormack to take the Johns Hopkins job, we certainly wish him all the luck and best wishes because he did a great job here with us; but what it did was give us an opportunity to look to our next leadership that would continue to really advance this emerging program that we are very committed too. We embarked on a very thorough and deliberate process with our Co-Leadership, Christina Wombacher, our Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator and Sandy Hatfield Club, one of our consultants and certainly the help of our search firm Collegiate Associates with the assistance of Drew Turner. We really set out to make sure we could uncover a very robust and very qualified candidate pool because we really believe in this program and really believe that the interest would be keen, and fortunately, we were correct. A very impressive list of candidates were brought forth. As we went through the process it became very clear on the team that we really had some great opportunities here. As we went through the process and narrowed it down, Tayrn just was a star. As I’m listening and talking with folks I’m really looking for passion as much as anything else; passion about what we’re trying to accomplish here and what this means to our program, but equally important, what does it mean to the candidate who is going to come into our culture and lead our program, our young women, who have dedicated themselves and really want a good experience. When Tayrn said to us ‘lacrosse is not a job, lacrosse is a lifestyle,’ that really resonated with me. It really rung a bell because we want someone here not to do a job but to do it because it's a life passion and there is so much to pass on when you have that kind of attitude and energy. And so, I was really delighted to hear that from Tayrn and it was across the board a decision that this was our new head coach. All of those who participated in the process, there’s too many to name including some of our other coaches, thank you for that. It really is very much needed when we’re trying to make the right decision for our student-athletes, our athletic department and our institution and we have done that in this case, no doubt. If I could ask Christina Wombacher, our Senior Women’s Administrator and a very capable leader in so many things, to introduce Coach VanThof.”
Senior Associate AD/SWA Christina Wombacher
Opening Statement
“Thank you Ray, I also want to thank the search committee and consults. We’ve worked tirelessly to bring this to you today. Thank you to our lacrosse student-athletes, I see you out there, for your trust, input and patience throughout this process. I’m super excited to formally introduce Tayrn VanThof as Arizona State University’s new Head Lacrosse Coach. Tayrn fit the profile we were looking for in a new lacrosse Head Coach. As Ray said, hungry, passionate and authentic; Someone who is prepared to build upon the culture and the foundation established further, and develop student-athletes on and off the field. Tayrn has served as the offensive coordinator, goalie coach, draw specialist and recruiting coordinator at the University of Florida, leading the Gators to an impressive 85-24 record over the past six seasons, including six NCAA Tournament victories, all five possible conference tournament titles and two Elite Eight appearances. She has been where we want to go. She was an All-American Midfielder at Loyola Maryland, a US Lacrosse National Team Member and has played professionally. She knows what it takes to succeed both as a player and as a coach. It is my honor to introduce Arizona State University’s new Head Lacrosse Coach Tayrn VanThof and have you hear from her directly. Tayrn...
Sun Devil Lacrosse Head Coach Taryn VanThof
Opening Statement
“Thank you. First, I’d like to thank Ray Anderson, Christina Wombacher and President Michael Crow for the opportunity to lead Sun Devils Lacrosse. I am beyond excited. Ray talked about my passion, desire and lacrosse being a lifestyle; it’s all very true. I’ve dreamed of being a Head Coach. Here at ASU, we offer an exceptional experience to our student-athletes, support staff and coaches alike. I think for us moving forward, we’re going to bring a brand of creativity, excitement, speed and fundamentals and you are going to see my passion for that. My philosophy will breathe in all aspects of what we do as a SDL family. Our culture is based on athlete development. I’m a big proponent of ‘student-athletes are more than student-athletes’, they’re people first. We want to make sure we develop them as people, students, athletes and even as a unit. ‘A new era’ is what we posted on Twitter the other day. For me, when thinking of a new era it means a new opportunity for our student-athletes. I’m excited to get to work with these student-athletes; they’re coming off a strong, successful 2022 showing and I can’t wait to build on their success. With that said, I’ll send it back to Connor.”
(Question) Coach, what were some of the main reasons that Arizona State was the right fit for you to take this next step in your career.
Taryn VanThof: I think when I arrived on campus, I knew right away it had a feel and a vibe. The sun is shining and the people are smiling. I think from the administrative support to the facilities and resources provided; and then an opportunity to grow a young program, I knew it was a perfect fit.
(Question) Connor McGill, Inferno Intel: Welcome to Tempe, obviously lacrosse is a growing sport, obviously out west, what are you hoping to bring on that side of things, especially for a team that has a lot of promise?
VanThof: I think we're going to expand and expand the community and I think that’s the biggest thing for ASU and ASU Lacrosse is we want to be not just on the west coast, it’s going to be a national brand extending to the east.
(Question) Ian Sacks: Coach, congratulations on getting the job. Building on that, how do you look to work with some of the youth organizations to help grow the game of lacrosse here in the state of Arizona
VanThof: I think it’s going to start on campus with camps and clinics to show our face and once we get two assistants, to show their faces and even our student-athletes to promote us but also bring people to us. It’s going to create a community, it’s going to build an empire and I think that’s exciting.
(Question) Marlee Thompson (Arizona Republic): Hi Coach, I’m Marlee with the Arizona Republic, welcome, to take things a different direction, what was your initial thought and feeling when you heard those words uttered, that you were going to become the next Arizona State Women’s Lacrosse Coach? How are you managing all that? I know it's been a whirlwind of things for you.
VanThof: Thank you, it has. It’s an exciting whirlwind. People talk about it being the right time. I think good things happen in threes, my fiance took a new job, I’m getting married in September and I put the cherry on top by getting a new job here. I think if there was going to be a time, now is the time to do it.
(Question) What are some of the challenges that you anticipate facing as a first-time Head Coach?
VanThof: I don’t think they’re necessarily challenges, I think they’re exciting bonds to build. I think creating and establishing those relationships from the very beginning. I know I’m an open book, I want my student-athletes to be able to come in-and-out of my office whenever they please; come to me at any time and I think creating that off the bat and getting to know them until they arrive on campus is crucial.
(Question) For the last six years you worked under Head Coach Amanda O’Leary, what did you learn from and what can you take away from how she operated her program?
VanThof: I come in here at kind of the same time I was entering Florida. We were six years in and we’re five years in here at ASU, so I think I have a very good understanding of how to build and in terms of build, not just build the brand but build the people around you and build the alumni base and build everything that comes with an empire and that’s what we’re trying to do here.
(Question) Ian Sacks: To go off of that with building a program from pretty early on, a program that has had a fair amount of success coming off of last year, the best year in program history. How do you look to, as you inherit a program that has had so much recent success, take it to the next level?
VanThof: We ride on our success. I think we honor the past and we build on the future. The words ‘build’ and ‘growth’ are two things that I aspire [to have] in my philosophy in terms of growth, integrity and family. We keep hitting on the word ‘build.’ It’s a lot of hard work and it's going to come from me, it’s going to come from my assistants, our support staff and ultimately from our student-athletes and it's going to be exciting. I’m excited and I know they’re excited as well.
(Question) Back in March, you came here with Florida and faced Arizona State. What do you remember from that visit and about the team specifically?
VanThof: Well the facilities were gorgeous, an unbelievable practice field and an unbelievable stadium to play in. I think it provided our student-athletes at Florida an incredible atmosphere and I’m super excited to be apart of that atmosphere and make it our home. The student-athletes we competed against and now I get to coach; it was just relentless effort from start to finish. I think the grind, grit and determination is there and we’re going to build on that. That’s something you can’t teach and I’m excited to be able to move forward with them.
(Question) McGil: Last season, ASU was just outside of the playoff picture for the NCAA’s. The Non-Conference Schedule was one of the biggest things that was mentioned [for why they did not make the tournament], how do you look to build upon ASU’s resume and what are maybe some of the opponents you’ll look to face to help ASU get over that hump.
VanThof: Yeah, and I’d say maybe a bit snubbed in that NCAA Tournament; but to build and be the best you have to play the best so we’re going to continue to carry on with a top-ranked schedule and continue to travel to the East Coast to make ASU a national brand and not a west coast brand. I’m excited to continue to play against those top level teams, whether they’re in the top 10, top 20 or wherever they fall but they will continue.
(Question) Sacks: What have your interactions been like with your players on your new team so far?
VanThof: So yesterday we got to jump on our first team zoom and it more-so just an announcement; these next few weeks we’ll be connecting over and over again. They were excited, I posted in the GroupMe and I got a lot of likes out of it. I’m just excited as they are; it’s new for both of us but it’s exciting.
(Question) Where do you stand on your coaching staff and what are you looking for in terms of identifying those candidates?
VanThof: We’re in the process right now. For me, I really want to bring in people that compliment me. I’d like to bring in an Offensive Coordinator and a defensive coordinator to manage both ends of the field, whether one being a draw specialist, one being a goalie coach, if that’s the case that’s perfection. I think it gives me the ability to be everywhere and have a say in everything. Bringing an Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator would be my ideals.
[Last call for questions]
VanThof: Thank you all, excited to get started.
Opening Statement
“Good afternoon everyone. Thanks for joining us for the official introduction of Tayrn VanThof as our new Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach. We’re thrilled with that. After the resignation of Coach McCormack to take the Johns Hopkins job, we certainly wish him all the luck and best wishes because he did a great job here with us; but what it did was give us an opportunity to look to our next leadership that would continue to really advance this emerging program that we are very committed too. We embarked on a very thorough and deliberate process with our Co-Leadership, Christina Wombacher, our Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator and Sandy Hatfield Club, one of our consultants and certainly the help of our search firm Collegiate Associates with the assistance of Drew Turner. We really set out to make sure we could uncover a very robust and very qualified candidate pool because we really believe in this program and really believe that the interest would be keen, and fortunately, we were correct. A very impressive list of candidates were brought forth. As we went through the process it became very clear on the team that we really had some great opportunities here. As we went through the process and narrowed it down, Tayrn just was a star. As I’m listening and talking with folks I’m really looking for passion as much as anything else; passion about what we’re trying to accomplish here and what this means to our program, but equally important, what does it mean to the candidate who is going to come into our culture and lead our program, our young women, who have dedicated themselves and really want a good experience. When Tayrn said to us ‘lacrosse is not a job, lacrosse is a lifestyle,’ that really resonated with me. It really rung a bell because we want someone here not to do a job but to do it because it's a life passion and there is so much to pass on when you have that kind of attitude and energy. And so, I was really delighted to hear that from Tayrn and it was across the board a decision that this was our new head coach. All of those who participated in the process, there’s too many to name including some of our other coaches, thank you for that. It really is very much needed when we’re trying to make the right decision for our student-athletes, our athletic department and our institution and we have done that in this case, no doubt. If I could ask Christina Wombacher, our Senior Women’s Administrator and a very capable leader in so many things, to introduce Coach VanThof.”
Senior Associate AD/SWA Christina Wombacher
Opening Statement
“Thank you Ray, I also want to thank the search committee and consults. We’ve worked tirelessly to bring this to you today. Thank you to our lacrosse student-athletes, I see you out there, for your trust, input and patience throughout this process. I’m super excited to formally introduce Tayrn VanThof as Arizona State University’s new Head Lacrosse Coach. Tayrn fit the profile we were looking for in a new lacrosse Head Coach. As Ray said, hungry, passionate and authentic; Someone who is prepared to build upon the culture and the foundation established further, and develop student-athletes on and off the field. Tayrn has served as the offensive coordinator, goalie coach, draw specialist and recruiting coordinator at the University of Florida, leading the Gators to an impressive 85-24 record over the past six seasons, including six NCAA Tournament victories, all five possible conference tournament titles and two Elite Eight appearances. She has been where we want to go. She was an All-American Midfielder at Loyola Maryland, a US Lacrosse National Team Member and has played professionally. She knows what it takes to succeed both as a player and as a coach. It is my honor to introduce Arizona State University’s new Head Lacrosse Coach Tayrn VanThof and have you hear from her directly. Tayrn...
Sun Devil Lacrosse Head Coach Taryn VanThof
Opening Statement
“Thank you. First, I’d like to thank Ray Anderson, Christina Wombacher and President Michael Crow for the opportunity to lead Sun Devils Lacrosse. I am beyond excited. Ray talked about my passion, desire and lacrosse being a lifestyle; it’s all very true. I’ve dreamed of being a Head Coach. Here at ASU, we offer an exceptional experience to our student-athletes, support staff and coaches alike. I think for us moving forward, we’re going to bring a brand of creativity, excitement, speed and fundamentals and you are going to see my passion for that. My philosophy will breathe in all aspects of what we do as a SDL family. Our culture is based on athlete development. I’m a big proponent of ‘student-athletes are more than student-athletes’, they’re people first. We want to make sure we develop them as people, students, athletes and even as a unit. ‘A new era’ is what we posted on Twitter the other day. For me, when thinking of a new era it means a new opportunity for our student-athletes. I’m excited to get to work with these student-athletes; they’re coming off a strong, successful 2022 showing and I can’t wait to build on their success. With that said, I’ll send it back to Connor.”
(Question) Coach, what were some of the main reasons that Arizona State was the right fit for you to take this next step in your career.
Taryn VanThof: I think when I arrived on campus, I knew right away it had a feel and a vibe. The sun is shining and the people are smiling. I think from the administrative support to the facilities and resources provided; and then an opportunity to grow a young program, I knew it was a perfect fit.
(Question) Connor McGill, Inferno Intel: Welcome to Tempe, obviously lacrosse is a growing sport, obviously out west, what are you hoping to bring on that side of things, especially for a team that has a lot of promise?
VanThof: I think we're going to expand and expand the community and I think that’s the biggest thing for ASU and ASU Lacrosse is we want to be not just on the west coast, it’s going to be a national brand extending to the east.
(Question) Ian Sacks: Coach, congratulations on getting the job. Building on that, how do you look to work with some of the youth organizations to help grow the game of lacrosse here in the state of Arizona
VanThof: I think it’s going to start on campus with camps and clinics to show our face and once we get two assistants, to show their faces and even our student-athletes to promote us but also bring people to us. It’s going to create a community, it’s going to build an empire and I think that’s exciting.
(Question) Marlee Thompson (Arizona Republic): Hi Coach, I’m Marlee with the Arizona Republic, welcome, to take things a different direction, what was your initial thought and feeling when you heard those words uttered, that you were going to become the next Arizona State Women’s Lacrosse Coach? How are you managing all that? I know it's been a whirlwind of things for you.
VanThof: Thank you, it has. It’s an exciting whirlwind. People talk about it being the right time. I think good things happen in threes, my fiance took a new job, I’m getting married in September and I put the cherry on top by getting a new job here. I think if there was going to be a time, now is the time to do it.
(Question) What are some of the challenges that you anticipate facing as a first-time Head Coach?
VanThof: I don’t think they’re necessarily challenges, I think they’re exciting bonds to build. I think creating and establishing those relationships from the very beginning. I know I’m an open book, I want my student-athletes to be able to come in-and-out of my office whenever they please; come to me at any time and I think creating that off the bat and getting to know them until they arrive on campus is crucial.
(Question) For the last six years you worked under Head Coach Amanda O’Leary, what did you learn from and what can you take away from how she operated her program?
VanThof: I come in here at kind of the same time I was entering Florida. We were six years in and we’re five years in here at ASU, so I think I have a very good understanding of how to build and in terms of build, not just build the brand but build the people around you and build the alumni base and build everything that comes with an empire and that’s what we’re trying to do here.
(Question) Ian Sacks: To go off of that with building a program from pretty early on, a program that has had a fair amount of success coming off of last year, the best year in program history. How do you look to, as you inherit a program that has had so much recent success, take it to the next level?
VanThof: We ride on our success. I think we honor the past and we build on the future. The words ‘build’ and ‘growth’ are two things that I aspire [to have] in my philosophy in terms of growth, integrity and family. We keep hitting on the word ‘build.’ It’s a lot of hard work and it's going to come from me, it’s going to come from my assistants, our support staff and ultimately from our student-athletes and it's going to be exciting. I’m excited and I know they’re excited as well.
(Question) Back in March, you came here with Florida and faced Arizona State. What do you remember from that visit and about the team specifically?
VanThof: Well the facilities were gorgeous, an unbelievable practice field and an unbelievable stadium to play in. I think it provided our student-athletes at Florida an incredible atmosphere and I’m super excited to be apart of that atmosphere and make it our home. The student-athletes we competed against and now I get to coach; it was just relentless effort from start to finish. I think the grind, grit and determination is there and we’re going to build on that. That’s something you can’t teach and I’m excited to be able to move forward with them.
(Question) McGil: Last season, ASU was just outside of the playoff picture for the NCAA’s. The Non-Conference Schedule was one of the biggest things that was mentioned [for why they did not make the tournament], how do you look to build upon ASU’s resume and what are maybe some of the opponents you’ll look to face to help ASU get over that hump.
VanThof: Yeah, and I’d say maybe a bit snubbed in that NCAA Tournament; but to build and be the best you have to play the best so we’re going to continue to carry on with a top-ranked schedule and continue to travel to the East Coast to make ASU a national brand and not a west coast brand. I’m excited to continue to play against those top level teams, whether they’re in the top 10, top 20 or wherever they fall but they will continue.
(Question) Sacks: What have your interactions been like with your players on your new team so far?
VanThof: So yesterday we got to jump on our first team zoom and it more-so just an announcement; these next few weeks we’ll be connecting over and over again. They were excited, I posted in the GroupMe and I got a lot of likes out of it. I’m just excited as they are; it’s new for both of us but it’s exciting.
(Question) Where do you stand on your coaching staff and what are you looking for in terms of identifying those candidates?
VanThof: We’re in the process right now. For me, I really want to bring in people that compliment me. I’d like to bring in an Offensive Coordinator and a defensive coordinator to manage both ends of the field, whether one being a draw specialist, one being a goalie coach, if that’s the case that’s perfection. I think it gives me the ability to be everywhere and have a say in everything. Bringing an Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator would be my ideals.
[Last call for questions]
VanThof: Thank you all, excited to get started.