WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ — Monmouth University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Jordan Trautman has announced she is stepping down from her position to pursue new professional opportunities. Associate Head Coach Christie Kaestner will be promoted as Acting Head Coach for the upcoming 2026-27 season.
 
"Jordan made a meaningful impact on Monmouth women's lacrosse, building a supportive and empowering culture that helped our student-athletes succeed academically, compete at a high level and prepare for success beyond Monmouth," said Monmouth Director of Athletics Jennifer Sansevero. "We thank Jordan for her leadership and contributions to the program and wish her all the best in her next chapter."
 
A former All-American at Georgetown, Trautman was hired as the sixth head coach in Hawks women's lacrosse history in the summer of 2017. During her nine-season tenure, the team went 65-64 including a 9-8 finish in 2026 where she guided the program's first CAA Goalkeeper of the Year selection in junior Katie Sullivan.
 
Under Trautman's tutelage, the Hawks earned 29 all-conference honors, including eight to the All-CAA Team, five Player of the Year selections and 12 All-Region picks with Trautman collecting MAAC Coach of the Year honors in 2022. Additionally, she coached 44 total selections to the IWLCA All-Academic Team.
 
"As we look forward, we will be elevating Christie Kaestner as the Acting Head Coach entering the 2026-2027 season," Sansevero said. "Christie has been an invaluable member of our coaching staff at Monmouth, bringing a pedigree of success at every level of the sport. We have confidence in her ability to mentor our student-athletes and maintain our program's upward trajectory in the CAA."
 
Kaestner joined Trautman's staff ahead of the 2018 season after spending two years as an assistant coach at The Ohio State University where she helped lead the Buckeyes to 19 wins, a Big Ten Tournament appearance and a trip into the NCAA Tournament.
 
A former All-American attacker at Duke, Kaestner finished her Blue Devils career with 93 goals and 98 assists to rank ninth all-time in the program's record book with 191 points. She set the Duke single-season assist record as a senior in 2011 and left ranked second all-time in assists with 98. She helped improve Monmouth's offense as one of the most efficient while in the MAAC and coaching two First-Team All-CAA midfield and attack selections, including attacker Lauren Rismani who led the CAA in assists per game (3.35) last season.
 
"I am honored to have been entrusted with this new role, and especially grateful to President Leahy and Director of Athletics Jen Sansevero for their belief in me to continue to lead this terrific group. I am enthusiastic and ready to continue this rich tradition of Monmouth Women's Lacrosse as we pursue excellence on and off the field. Fly Hawks!"

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