WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Monmouth Women's Lacrosse Acting Head Coach Christie Kaestner has announced the addition of former Hawk defender Dana Spires as an assistant coach.
Spires returns to West Long Branch after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant coach at Sacred Heart University, where she served as the Pioneers' defensive and draw coach as well as recruiting coordinator.
"I'm incredibly excited and grateful to return to Monmouth University as an assistant women's lacrosse coach," said Spires. As a Jersey native and proud Monmouth alumni, coming back to a place I called home for four years is truly special. I'm so excited to work alongside such a talented staff and help continue to build something special within the program."
I couldn't be more excited to welcome Dana Spires home to West Long Branch," Kaestner added. "Her infectious energy, passion for all things Monmouth, and experience coaching at the Division I level will prove invaluable to our program. She is a great fit with Meg Douty, Lauren Rismani, and I, and I can't wait to get started together!"
A four-year member of the Monmouth women's lacrosse program from 2015-19, the Medford, N.J., native returns to her alma mater with extensive experience in recruiting, player development and program operations.
During her tenure at Sacred Heart, Spires helped guide the Pioneers to the 2023 Northeast Conference regular season and tournament championships. The Sacred Heart staff was also recognized as the NEC Coaching Staff of the Year that season. In addition to her on-field responsibilities, Spires served as the program's lead recruiter, developed and implemented practice plans and oversaw team travel and other day-to-day operations.
Prior to joining the Sacred Heart staff, Spires spent two years at Saint Francis University while pursuing her master's degree. She worked as an Athletic Administration Graduate Assistant during the 2020-21 academic year after previously serving as a graduate assistant in Student-Athlete Development and Academic Services. In those roles, Spires gained experience in athletic administration, academic advising, NCAA eligibility, student-athlete development and departmental operations.
As a member of the Monmouth women's lacrosse team as a player from 2015-2019, Spires appeared in 15 games while making one start, recording a pair of caused turnovers and scooped three ground balls as part of the Hawks' defense.
Spires earned her bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in psychology from Monmouth in 2019. While an undergraduate student in West Long Branch she worked as a communications assistant with the Monmouth Digital Network, assisting with live broadcasts in addition to her duties as a student-athlete.
She later earned a master's degree in education with a specialization in leadership from Saint Francis in 2021.
Spires continued, "I'm especially grateful to Coach Kaestner for bringing me back and giving me the opportunity to give back to a place that means so much to me. Go Hawks!"
