Sarah Stagaard was named the fourth head coach of Catawba Women's Lacrosse in July 2026.
"What impressed us most throughout the search process was her passion for the complete student-athlete experience," Vice President for Athletics Michelle Caddigan remarked. "She is deeply committed to helping young women grow academically, athletically, and personally while creating an environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential. I am confident that her energy, vision, drive, and proven track record of success will transform our program and position Catawba Women's Lacrosse for an exciting future. I could not be more excited to welcome Coach Stagaard to the Catawba family!"
Stagaard comes to Salisbury after serving as the interim head coach for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the 2026 season. She oversaw the Charlotte 49ers' offensive system that led the American Conference in assists and had the nation's 14th-best scoring mark in 2025.
"I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to become the next head coach of Catawba Women's Lacrosse," said Stagaard. "I want to sincerely thank Michelle Caddigan for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead this program into its next era. From the moment I stepped on campus, it was clear that Catawba is a special place. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, fostering a competitive and supportive culture, and working every day to help this program reach new heights!"
The Keystone State native's stint with the 49ers began in June 2022 as an assistant coach, playing an instrumental role in building the program from the ground up. Charged with development and execution of recruiting, Stagaard assembled a transfer class that Inside Lacrosse ranked No. 8 in Division I ahead of the program's inaugural season in 2025. Under her tutelage, three student-athletes garnered First Team All-AAC honors with one USA Lacrosse Magazine Player of the Week.
Stagaard filled her first full-time coaching role at Queens University of Charlotte in the 2022 season that saw the Royals claim the South Atlantic Conference crown and reach the NCAA Final Four. Queens posted a 21-1 record and, with Stagaard overseeing the offense, shattered the Division II scoring record with 463 goals. She coached four IWLCA All-Americans, four USA Lacrosse All-Americans, the IWLCA Defender of the Year in Grace Guglielmo, and 10 all-conference selections.
Before relocating to the Tar Heel State, Stagaard was the graduate assistant coach at Bloomsburg University where she focused on recruiting, scouting, practice planning and film review. In 2021, the Huskies went 7-5 with five wins at home and were PSAC Tournament quarterfinalists. Her efforts off the field included organization of clinics and all team volunteer opportunities.
Stagaard enjoyed a four-year playing career at Grand Valley State that included two seasons as team captain. As a junior, she netted 40 goals with 37 draw controls, 27 ground balls and nine caused turnovers to collect Second Team All-GLIAC recognition. GVSU compiled a 38-19 record and went undefeated at home in back-to-back seasons during Stagaard's time with the program.
The former Laker will share Shuford Stadium with another Division II product in head men's lacrosse coach and 1998 Catawba alumnus Mike Murphy. "I am excited to welcome Sarah to the Catawba family," said Murphy. "Her enthusiasm for lacrosse and passion for developing student-athletes were clearly evident during the hiring process. I look forward to collaborating with her when she gets to campus."
Stagaard earned a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences from Grand Valley State and an MBA from Bloomsburg.
