PHILADELPHIA – Drexel University Director of Athletics Maisha Kelly announced the hiring of Kim Hillier as the Mary Semanik Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse at Drexel University on Thursday. Hillier becomes just the ninth head coach since the program began in 1983.

“I am excited to welcome Kim to Drexel Athletics,” Kelly said. “Kim is a proven winner, having served in an integral role in the ascension of Stony Brook’s women’s lacrosse program, a dominant program in the America East Conference. The Seawolves have been a consistent presence in the NCAA championships and the national rankings. Kim brings a passion and energy that is magnetic and has a commitment to continuing the tremendous success already embodied in our women’s lacrosse program.”

Hillier joins the Dragons after spending the last five seasons at Stony Brook University.

“I am thrilled for the Dragon lacrosse family,” said Deputy Director of Athletics, Nick Gannon. “The future is exciting with Kim leading our program. She has an infectious personality grounded by incredible belief in the power of family that will match the grit and culture of our lacrosse program. Kim’s aspirations for our program’s future will only build on the team’s 2021 success.”

She rejoined the Seawolves’ staff in September 2016 as associate head coach with a focus on developing the Stony Brook offense after previously working at SBU in 2012. During her most recent stint, the Farmingdale, N.Y. native helped lead Stony Brook to four NCAA appearances, including two quarterfinals, and four America East titles. She helped mentor the 2021 IWLCA Midfielder of the Year, 12 All-Americans, and 39 All-Conference honorees, including 19 on the First Team.

“Sincerest thanks to Joe Spallina, Shawn Heilbron, Robert Emmerich and my entire Stony Brook women’s lacrosse family/nation, for a consistent, world-class championship experience,” said Hillier. “It has been an absolute honor.”

“I’d like to thank President Fry, Maisha Kelly, Nick Gannon, Dr. Subir Sahu and the rest of the search committee for the opportunity of a lifetime,” continued Hillier. “Drexel has established a rich tradition of success; both in the classroom and on the field. As we move forward, we will continue to break barriers as winners in every aspect going forward. The expectation of winning will be an everyday mentality as we work to win a national championship. I am fired up to take this group of young women under my wing as we walk through this journey together as a family.”

Most recently, Hillier helped guide the Seawolves to a 16-3 overall record and an undefeated 8-0 mark in conference play during the 2021 season. The program claimed its eighth consecutive America East title and made an appearance in the NCAA quarterfinals where it put up a strong fight against No. 1 North Carolina. In 2019, Stony Brook advanced to the Second Round of the NCAA tournament and posted wins against three ranked opponents during the season.  

In her first two years on Long Island, Hillier assisted the Seawolves in back-to-back 20-win seasons. Stony Brook earned the first No. 1 national ranking in program history in 2018, staying atop all three major lacrosse polls for 11 consecutive weeks heading into the postseason. The Seawolves finished the year leading the nation in six major Division I categories: points per game (29.28), scoring margin (+10.80), assists per game (11.23), shot percentage (.547), turnovers per game (12.00), and team defense (7.09 goals-allowed per contest).

Hillier joined SBU for its most successful season in program history in 2017 as Stony Brook went 20-2 and appeared in its first NCAA quarterfinal. Under Hillier’s tutelage, the Seawolves rose from 69th to 18th in the nation in draw controls per game.

In between her times at Stony Brook, she spent four seasons at Boston University. While there, the Terriers advanced to the Patriot League title game in 2014 and made three more appearances in the conference semifinals. She got her coaching start as a part of the staff at LIU Brooklyn for three seasons.

A familiar face to the Colonial Athletic Association, Hillier is a 2007 graduate of Hofstra where she was a two-time All-American and four-time All-CAA selection.