Converse Chooses Buikus to Head Lacrosse Program
SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The Valkyries lacrosse team has a new head coach announced today by Joy Couch, Converse College director of athletics. Kelly Buikus will take over at the helm, as the second head coach in the history of Converse's young lacrosse program which began competition during the 2008-2009 academic year.
Buikus spent the past two years as the head coach at Wilson College, a women's college in Chambersburg, PA, while also serving as the assistant athletic director. She posted a 2-5 record in conference play during the 2011 campaign at the Division III school, which competes in the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC).
“Kelly brings a great deal of experience at women’s colleges, and I know she will have great success here at Converse,” stated Couch. "Our young program will continue to have the opportunity to move in the right direction under her leadership, as we continue to push to break into the top tier of the Conference Carolinas in lacrosse."
Buikus is no stranger to the women's college atmosphere that Converse presents, as she has been involved with athletic programs at women’s colleges since her undergraduate career at Saint Joseph College. At Saint Joesph, Kelly was a dual-sport athlete in lacrosse and basketball for the Blue Jays. After graduating from Saint Joesph, she stayed on campus as a volunteer assistant coach for the lacrosse program, before accepting the assistant coaching position for the women's lacrosse team at Hood College in Frederick, MD. Hood College was her only co-ed stop, where she coached for one season before heading to Wilson College.
“I am excited to join the Valkyries staff this season,” commented Buikus. “Converse offers the highest level of competition for women's colleges in the country and provides great opportunities for its young women both academically and athletically. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead, and I am grateful for the opportunity.”
