Thorne Named Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
8/14/2026 3:30:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
CONWAY, S.C. – Abby Thorne has been named the fourth head women's lacrosse coach in Coastal Carolina University history, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation Chance Miller announced Friday.
At 24, Thorne is the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I women's lacrosse.
"We are thrilled to promote Abby Thorne as the next head coach of Coastal Carolina lacrosse," Miller said. "Abby has been an important part of our program, and we have seen firsthand the energy, leadership, and commitment she brings to our student-athletes every day. She understands our program, has earned the trust and respect of our team, and is ready to build upon its strong foundation.
"We are excited about the future of Chanticleer lacrosse under Abby's leadership and confident she will take the program to new heights."
Thorne takes over the Chanticleer program after serving as an assistant coach during the 2026 season. Working primarily with the defense, she helped Coastal Carolina post a 10-8 record and advance to the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Championship for the fifth consecutive season.
"I am incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead Coastal Carolina women's lacrosse as head coach," Thorne said. "Coastal has truly felt like home from the moment I arrived, and it means so much to me to continue building on the incredible culture, standards and foundation of this program.
"I am ready to elevate Coastal lacrosse to the next level and establish us as a consistent top contender in the ASUN while creating an environment where our student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing support staff who share the same passion and belief in what this program can become. I'm proud to call Coastal home, and I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead."
With Thorne's guidance, the Chanticleers ranked fourth in the ASUN in ground balls per game and fifth in caused turnovers. She also helped develop First Team All-ASUN defender Grace Lord, All-Freshman Team defender Rebekah Zentz and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Senior All-Star Lily Wallace.
Thorne joined the Coastal Carolina staff in the summer of 2025 following an outstanding playing career at the University of Pittsburgh. A four-year letterwinner and team captain, she concluded her career as one of the most accomplished defensive players in program history.
The Adelaide, Australia, native finished her Pitt career ranked first in program history in caused turnovers (54), ground balls (92) and games started (68). She also ranked among the Panthers' career leaders in games played.
Thorne started all 18 games during Pitt's inaugural season in 2022 and became a foundational member of the program as it began competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
In 2025, Thorne received Pitt's Script Writer Award, presented annually to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the athletics department's commitment to excellence in competition, academics, leadership, community engagement and personal development. She also earned All-ACC Academic Team honors and was named to the IWLCA Academic Honor Roll.
Thorne continues to compete internationally for Australia. She was selected to the Australian Women's National Team for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship and helped her country advance to the quarterfinals. Thorne previously represented Australia at the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's Championship and World Games and was selected to its senior national team for the 2025 World Games where she earned a bronze medal.
She began representing Australia at the junior level, earning selection to the country's U15 development team before advancing to its U18 and U19 national teams. Thorne helped Australia capture the bronze medal at the 2019 Women's U19 World Championship.
Thorne earned her bachelor's degree from Pittsburgh in 2025.
For news, scores, highlights and more, download the Coastal Carolina app on your mobile device. Follow @CoastalWLax on Instagram and X, and Facebook, and subscribe to CCU Athletics on YouTube for the latest on the Chants.
At 24, Thorne is the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I women's lacrosse.
"We are thrilled to promote Abby Thorne as the next head coach of Coastal Carolina lacrosse," Miller said. "Abby has been an important part of our program, and we have seen firsthand the energy, leadership, and commitment she brings to our student-athletes every day. She understands our program, has earned the trust and respect of our team, and is ready to build upon its strong foundation.
"We are excited about the future of Chanticleer lacrosse under Abby's leadership and confident she will take the program to new heights."
Thorne takes over the Chanticleer program after serving as an assistant coach during the 2026 season. Working primarily with the defense, she helped Coastal Carolina post a 10-8 record and advance to the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Championship for the fifth consecutive season.
"I am incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead Coastal Carolina women's lacrosse as head coach," Thorne said. "Coastal has truly felt like home from the moment I arrived, and it means so much to me to continue building on the incredible culture, standards and foundation of this program.
"I am ready to elevate Coastal lacrosse to the next level and establish us as a consistent top contender in the ASUN while creating an environment where our student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by an amazing support staff who share the same passion and belief in what this program can become. I'm proud to call Coastal home, and I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead."
With Thorne's guidance, the Chanticleers ranked fourth in the ASUN in ground balls per game and fifth in caused turnovers. She also helped develop First Team All-ASUN defender Grace Lord, All-Freshman Team defender Rebekah Zentz and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Senior All-Star Lily Wallace.
Thorne joined the Coastal Carolina staff in the summer of 2025 following an outstanding playing career at the University of Pittsburgh. A four-year letterwinner and team captain, she concluded her career as one of the most accomplished defensive players in program history.
The Adelaide, Australia, native finished her Pitt career ranked first in program history in caused turnovers (54), ground balls (92) and games started (68). She also ranked among the Panthers' career leaders in games played.
Thorne started all 18 games during Pitt's inaugural season in 2022 and became a foundational member of the program as it began competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
In 2025, Thorne received Pitt's Script Writer Award, presented annually to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the athletics department's commitment to excellence in competition, academics, leadership, community engagement and personal development. She also earned All-ACC Academic Team honors and was named to the IWLCA Academic Honor Roll.
Thorne continues to compete internationally for Australia. She was selected to the Australian Women's National Team for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship and helped her country advance to the quarterfinals. Thorne previously represented Australia at the 2022 World Lacrosse Women's Championship and World Games and was selected to its senior national team for the 2025 World Games where she earned a bronze medal.
She began representing Australia at the junior level, earning selection to the country's U15 development team before advancing to its U18 and U19 national teams. Thorne helped Australia capture the bronze medal at the 2019 Women's U19 World Championship.
Thorne earned her bachelor's degree from Pittsburgh in 2025.
For news, scores, highlights and more, download the Coastal Carolina app on your mobile device. Follow @CoastalWLax on Instagram and X, and Facebook, and subscribe to CCU Athletics on YouTube for the latest on the Chants.
Players Mentioned
Defense
/ Women's Lacrosse
Defense
/ Women's Lacrosse
Midfield
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