July 28, 2010

ANNAPOLIS, MD. - Navy women's lacrosse head coach Cindy Timchal announced today the hiring of Kristen Waagbo as an assistant coach with the program. A former volunteer coach at Navy, Waagbo returns after one season as the top assistant at UC Davis.

"We are just thrilled to have Kristen back at Navy," said Timchal. "She experienced a high level of success as the top assistant at UC Davis and did a great job for their program. We are very happy that she is now rejoining our program at Navy."

"I am so thrilled and grateful to be returning to the Naval Academy," said Waagbo. "I look forward to joining a phenomenal staff and to be given the opportunity to coach such a special group of student-athletes. I am so excited to be a part of the growing tradition of Navy women's lacrosse, and look forward to all the great things to come in the future of the program!"

Waagbo helped guide the UC Davis squad to an 11-6 record and a spot in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Semifinals in 2010. The Aggies were vastly improved under Waagbo's tutelage, posting one of the biggest win improvements in the nation after a 6-12 record before her arrival.

A talented offensive coach, Waagbo helped improve the UC Davis scoring offense from 10.06 goals per game in 2009 to 14.06 goals per game. In addition, the 2010 team set records for most Division I wins and most players selected to the MPSF All-Conference team.

During her previous stint at Navy (2008-09), Waagbo was a member of the first -ever varsity women's lacrosse staff. The 2008 team set an NCAA record for most wins (13) by a first-year program and the Mids reached the Patriot League Championship game in Waagbo's second year in 2009.

A two-time All-American at Duke, Waagbo concluded a decorated playing career as the program's all-time career and single-season assist leader. She amassed 277 points and 161 career goals, totals which rank second all-time in program history.

An Ellicott City, Md. native, Waagbo led her Mount Hebron High School squad to four consecutive state championships. Waagbo earned her bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology with a concentration in markets and management studies from Duke in 2007.

Navy is coming off a 2010 Patriot League Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Mids were 17-4 in 2010 and own a 43-13 (.767) record in just three years as a varsity program.