PITTSBURGH – Duquesne first-year head coach Tracy Coyne has announced the 2025 lacrosse staff, with Elise Jackins returning and Lily Miller joining as the newest addition.
"I'm pleased to be joined by Elise and Lily as a part of my first staff here at Duquesne," said Coyne. "I look forward to collaborating with them on the sideline as we work to reestablish a winning lacrosse tradition. It was evident during the interviewing process, they each possessed a passion for the game that will elevate our lacrosse program. We share a similar vision about how to prepare the players and how to build a winning program. The 2025 season will be a lot of hard work but we also expect to have a lot of fun."
Jackins returns to the Bluff for her second season after joining the Dukes as the goalie coach in 2024. Last season, she helped lead the team to a five-win increase from 2023, tying the program record for the largest year-to-year improvement. Jackins has also served as a head coach at Pittsburgh Youth Lacrosse for more than three years and is currently a coach at True Lacrosse, one of the premier club teams in the area. One of her primary responsibilities with the club includes guiding prospective student-athletes in the college recruiting process. With strong ties to the local high school lacrosse community, Jackins has held coaching roles at Mt. Lebanon and Fox Chapel high schools, mentoring goalies who went on to successful collegiate careers.
"What sets Elise apart, aside from her energy and enthusiasm, is her deep commitment to creating an unparalleled student-athlete experience," noted Coach Coyne. "Elise has distinguished herself as a goalkeeping coach and we plan to use that expertise as the leverage behind establishing a shutdown defensive unit. I felt retaining Elise as a staff member would be very beneficial during the transition period because of her positive relationships with the players. A huge upside are the deep ties she has to the Pittsburgh lacrosse community. Those relationships will definitely enhance our recruiting efforts."
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Jackins holds a degree in media arts and professional communications with a minor in corporate relations and digital arts from the University of Pittsburgh. Alongside her coaching duties, she works in video production and women's ministry at Orchard Hill Church.
"I am really excited to be a part of the staff again this year," said Jackins. "I'm looking forward to working with Tracy to help build a winning culture. With my knowledge of the team, I believe I can be an asset in maximizing our potential this season."
Miller joins the Dukes after a standout career at Kent State, where she was a three-time all-conference selection. She finished her Golden Flashes career as the program's all-time leader in games played (68), ground balls (95), and caused turnovers (57). Since 2021, Miller has also served as a club coach at 3D Lacrosse in Denver.
"Lily comes to Duquesne as a highly recommended young coaching talent," said Coyne. "During the interview, she articulated her defensive philosophy and how to implement those building blocks with confidence and conviction. Lily's recent playing experience will be one of her best assets. She will make an immediate contribution to player development because of her relatability. Anytime you have a staff member with proven success as an athlete who knows how to compete, it gives you an advantage as a staff. I know she will work diligently to guide the players on how to achieve similar success."
Miller was a consistent member of the Academic All-MAC Team, the IWLCA Academic Honor Roll, and a two-time Academic All-District honoree. A Highlands Ranch, Colorado native, Miller graduated summa cum laude from Kent State in 2024 with a degree in sport administration.
"I'm so grateful and excited for the opportunity to coach lacrosse at Duquesne," said Miller. "I want to give a special thanks to Tracy Coyne for allowing me to continue to be involved in the sport I love. Go Dukes!"
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