CHESTERTOWN, Md. — Heidi Pearce is stepping down as the head coach of the Washington College women's lacrosse team in order to accept an administrative position at her scholastic alma mater — St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Del. Pearce will be working as the women's athletic director as well as a college counselor and admissions representative at St. Andrew's. 

Pearce served as the Shorewomen's head coach for the past five seasons, earning Centennial Conference Coach of the Year honors twice, in 2014 and 2018. Her final day at the College will be June 29th.

"I can't thank Heidi enough for all that she has done for our women's lacrosse program and athletic department," notes Washington College Athletic Director Thad Moore. "It is never easy losing a quality coach to another opportunity, but this move truly is what is best for Heidi and her family. We wish her the best of luck and she is going to be sorely missed."  

Prior to her promotion to head coach at Washington College, Pearce served as an assistant coach for three seasons. In Pearce's first season as an assistant coach, the Shorewomen reached the Centennial Conference Tournament for the first time in eight years - and have qualified for the tournament every year since. As head coach, Pearce led the team to a 56-29 record. Her 56 wins are second-most for a head coach in the program's history, while her .659 winning percentage is tops in team history. During her time as head coach, 11 different Shorewomen earned All-Centennial Conference honors a total of 17 times. 

Pearce's final season as head coach for the Shorewomen was, perhaps, her best. The Shorewomen went 13-5, their most wins in any season during her tenure as head coach, and advanced to the Centennial Conference semifinals. All five of their losses came at the hands of nationally-ranked teams, two of which were against the eventual 2018 NCAA Division III National Champion, Gettysburg College. Madison Schutz was named the Centennial Conference's Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the team's first-ever conference player of the year.

Pearce leaves the Shorewomen in great shape as both Schutz and fellow first-team all-conference selection Cecily Docktor are among 10 starters who will return next season.

A national search for Pearce's successor will begin soon.