Efland Steps Down as Coker Women's Lacrosse Coach

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College head women's lacrosse coach Steve Efland has announced his resignation effective July 15, 2014.

Efland, Coker's first-ever women's lacrosse coach, led the Cobras to a record of 3-10 overall and 2-4 in the South Atlantic Conference during its inaugural season.  The Cobras picked up some impressive victories during the season, including the program's first win, 15-5 over Young Harris on Feb. 22. The first South Atlantic Conference win came against Wingate, 19-11, on Mar. 1.

"Leaving Coker is one of the toughest things I have ever had to do," said Efland. "I have never enjoyed a job as much as I have this one. I already miss the team and wish them all the success in the world. I want to thank Dr. Wyatt and Dr. Griffin for giving me this opportunity. It has been an unforgettable experience."

Under Efland's direction the Cobras had two players earn South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week honors, Marabeth Durden and Hayley Ferone. Durden was a two-time Defensive Player of the Week selection, while Ferone was named Offensive Player of the Week once.

Four Cobras earned All-SAC honors as well during the inaugural season. Kaitlyn Kimball landed a spot on the first team, by heading the Coker defense with 31 ground balls and 24 caused turnovers. Ferone was a second team selection, racking up 33 total points with 26 goals and seven assists, while tallying 29 ground balls.  Mackenzie Baker was a second team selection. She led the Coker offense this year with 38 goals, which placed her fifth overall in the conference.  She added six assists to the stat sheet, finalizing her at 44 total points for the season.  Lastly, she led the team in draw controls with 62. Sophomore goalkeeper Mandy Lopez earned a spot on the Honorable Mention team.  Lopez was third in the conference in saves, with 127 in 12 games played.  She was fourth in the conference with a 44.3 save percentage.

In addition to earning second team All-SAC honors, Baker was named Coker's Freshman of the Year.

"I would like to thank Steve for all his hard work in helping build the Coker women's lacrosse program," said Lynn Griffin, vice president of athletics and facilities. "He has laid the groundwork for Coker to be a contender in the South Atlantic Conference and we will miss him as he moves on in his career."

Prior to joining the Coker staff, Efland served as head women's lacrosse coach at Winter Springs High School in Winter Springs, Fla., from 2004-2012. There he amassed a record of 130-45, including four trips to the Florida High School Athletic Association final four and one state championship game appearance. His teams finished in Laxpower.com's top five for seven straight years, and the 2012 squad was ranked nationally.

Assistant coach Chelsea Kent has been named the interim head coach for the 2014-15 season.