It was a busy summer for Wilkes Athletics, as teams began to have their pre-season training camps in preparation for the fall semester. However, multiple teams on campus will enter 2025-26 with new coaches and hires at the helm.

Men’s Lacrosse

Former head coach Curtis Jacques departed from his position on May 28, right after the semester had concluded. He moved into the admissions office on campus. Later in the summer, Jordan Drumheller was hired on July 14 as the new head coach for the program. Joseph Pendl was named an assistant coach

Women’s Lacrosse

After just one season, former head coach Meghan Laymon departed Wilkes, amassing a winless season, with the team going 0-15 overall. Athletic Director Scott Musa announced Laymon’s resignation on Aug. 14. In early September, Taylor Drumheller joined the team as the sixth head coach in program history. Julia Frick was also named an assistant coach for the team. 

Women’s Wrestling

In preparation for their inaugural season, women’s wrestling will be led by Kasey Kruczek. Formerly an assistant and interim head coach at Campbellsville University, Kruzcek will lead the Colonels in their first ever season later this fall. 

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country

While the season has started already for both men’s and women’s cross country, there are two new co-head coaches leading the charge in 2025. Paul VanLuvender stepped down from the program after serving as head coach since 2023. Jordan Uhing and Joseph Turnau were named co-head coaches on Aug. 1. 

Football

New assistant coach positions were announced in February for the Wilkes football team. Kyle Dickerson was promoted to offensive coordinator after the departure of Matt Rogers. Heath Hoovler is now a full-time assistant after serving as the special teams coordinator and offensive assistant last season. 

Men’s Ice Hockey

Former assistant coach Race Bennett became the new head coach at King’s College, departing from his post after helping lead the Colonels to a 17-8-2 record last season. The Monarchs announced Bennett’s hiring on Sept. 4. 

Swimming and Diving

In July, former men’s and women’s swimming and diving head coach Christopher Paynter departed Wilkes to become the new head coach at Catholic University. Paynter served in his position since 2022. Arthur Wang was hired on Sept. 5 as the fourth head coach in program history dating back to 2014. 

Women’s Ice Hockey

Rebecca Brown has joined the women’s ice hockey team as an assistant coach. Brown played five years in college for Norwich University and Utica College, and later played professionally in Europe.