Ocean State Today

Plymouth State University Director of Athletics Kim Bownes introduced Ashley Durepo as the Panthers' next head women's lacrosse coach on Tuesday.

Durepo, who played for newly retired head coach Sandy Bridgeman at the University of New Hampshire, has extensive collegiate coaching experience, previously leading Little East Conference (LEC) rival University of Southern Maine for four seasons, while also making stops at NCAA Division I schools Merrimack College, UMass Lowell and New Hampshire.

"We are absolutely thrilled to add a head coach of Ashley's caliber to our staff," said Bownes. "She brings a wealth of knowledge of the sport and has substantial experience at multiple levels, including within the LEC. We are confident she is the perfect fit for our program and the student-athletes, and we're excited to see her continue to build on the success and legacy of our women's lacrosse program."

A two-time America East All-Conference selection and All-Rookie Team honoree at UNH, Durepo got her first head coaching experience at Southern Maine when she inherited a team that finished sub-.500 in 2017. She quickly turned the program into a title contender, improving to 9-8 in 2018 before guiding the Huskies to a 10-6 mark and the championship game of the LEC Tournament in 2019, all while increasing the team's strength of schedule. Following the 2019 season, Durepo was named LEC Coach of the Year as the team posted program records for winning percentage, goals per game and assists.

At Southern Maine, Durepo mentored one All-Region player, while eight Huskies were selected for All-LEC honors. The program was successful in the classroom as well, as the 2018 and 2019 teams earned Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaching Association (IWLCA) Academic Honor Squad recognition.

"I am extremely grateful to Kim Bownes and the entire search committee for this incredible opportunity," said Durepo. "It is an honor to be named the next head coach of Plymouth State women's lacrosse and I could not be more excited to continue to build on the success this program achieved under Sandy Bridgeman. I look forward to joining the PSU family!"

Durepo got her start in collegiate coaching as an assistant at USM during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The program won its lone LEC Championship and made its sole NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010, while Durepo directed the team's defense and midfield.

Durepo returned to her alma mater as an assistant in 2012, before spending three years helping to build the program at UMass Lowell from the ground up. She arrived in the summer of 2013, aiding the River Hawks through their first two varsity seasons in 2015 and 2016. While there, Durepo managed recruiting throughout New England and directed the midfield, with specific focus on draws, clears and ride.

Durepo left Southern Maine prior to the 2021 season to take the head job at Merrimack College, helping the program transition from Division II to D-I. Despite being hired just prior to the start of the season, she brought an influx of energy and enthusiasm to help the program get off the ground in its first full season at the highest collegiate level.

Last spring, Durepo served as head coach at Concord High School, leading the team to a 7-10 mark, including a three-game winning streak to close out the year. The Crimson Tide just missed a spot in the NHIAA Tournament.

Durepo has also served as a head coach and recruiting coordinator at a trio of travel lacrosse programs, working with LightHouse Lacrosse/Seacoast United from 2006-14, Granite State Elite from 2014-17, and Maineiax Lacrosse Club from 2017-21. She returned to Granite State Elite in January to serve as Co-Director, overseeing all areas of operation for the program's lacrosse and field hockey clubs.

A four-year starter at New Hampshire, Durepo helped the Wildcats to the 2008 NCAA Tournament and four-straight America East Tournament appearances. She scored 90 goals and 118 points in 72 games, regularly ranking among the team leaders in ground balls, draw controls and caused turnovers. In addition to her All-Conference recognition, Durepo was a three-time America East All-Academic Team member. She graduated with a degree in sociology in the spring of 2009.

Original source can be found here.