WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – William & Mary Head Lacrosse Coach Hillary Fratzke announced she is stepping down from her leadership position on Wednesday to dedicate more time to her family. Fratzke spent the last six seasons on the Tribe sidelines.

"Stepping away from the sport I love and the athletes I have been so grateful to coach and build relationships with has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make," Fratzke said. "I had to think very hard about what would be best for the team and given the upcoming changes for the future of my family as we relocate, I did not feel like I could give the team the 100 percent that they deserve. To say I am grateful to Samantha (Huge), our lacrosse team, our staff and the entire athletic department for supporting me through the years is an understatement. I have grown so much as a person and coach and I owe that to the Tribe. This past year was one of my favorite years as a coach thus far, which made it that much harder to leave. However, I know Samantha will find someone ready to take this team to the next level, and I am so excited to follow this team on their path as they Boldly Pursue Excellence. Tribe Lacrosse is full of great athletes who also happen to be incredible young women.  That, in itself, is a great success. I have no doubt this team will produce championships on the field and they will carry that championship mentality into their lives after their time at William & Mary."
 
Fratzke led W&M to a 6-9 record last season and a 1-5 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association. W&M dropped three of its five league games by three or fewer goals and is poised for a breakout year in 2020 thanks to the return of a CAA-best three All-Rookie Team selections.
 
"Hillary was the embodiment of the qualities we seek in a head coach," Director of Athletics Samantha K. Huge said. "Her priorities perfectly aligned with our departmental values.  The holistic development of the young women in her charge was priority one. She is a teacher and a mentor and an inspirational leader.  I know I speak for our entire William & Mary community when I say she will truly be missed."
 
Over her career, the Tribe was 29-67 overall and 4-30 in CAA play under Fratzke. A number of Tribe standouts benefited from Fratzke's tutelage as 17 W&M players earned a combined 22 all-conference honors.
 
A national search for a new head lacrosse coach is underway. No timetable has been established for the search.