Austin Peay Tabs Melissa Rausch to Helm New Women's Program

Austin Peay has found its first-ever lacrosse coach.

Melissa Rausch will become the first Division I head women's lacrosse coach at a public university in the state of Tennessee, as announced by the university on Tuesday afternoon. She spent the past five seasons at the UC Colorado Springs, where she was the head coach since 2022.

Prior to UC Colorado Springs, Rausch began her collegiate coaching career at Nichols College, where she served as the assistant director of athletics, head women's lacrosse coach and assistant men's lacrosse coach. Rausch was the Girl's National Director for 3D Lacrosse before she entered the college space.

Austin Peay is expected to play its first varsity season in Spring 2026 after announcing the berth of the program in March.