Leading from the Field: Inside CU’s player-led club lacrosse team

Colorado Buffaloes women’s club lacrosse preparing for the season during a sunset practice at Kittredge Field. (Photo by Mercer Murton/The Bold CU)

The University of Colorado Boulder women’s club lacrosse team steps onto the field each week without something most teams take for granted: a coach.

Instead, the Buffaloes are led by senior captain Maddie Mancini, who draws up game plans, motivates teammates, and makes sideline calls—all while playing herself. She also serves as team president, overseeing budgets, travel, and the club’s executive board.

“It’s not ideal,” Mancini said. “I don’t want to give up half my game to coach. I’d much rather pay someone to do that. But we’re all here because we love the sport, and we just want to keep playing.”

Two years ago, CU had both a head coach and an assistant. When the head coach left to care for a newborn and the assistant coach moved on to a full-time job, the team was left to its own devices.

Mancini’s dual role forced her to learn fast. She coordinates practices, handles university paperwork, and keeps teammates organized—skills she never expected to gain in a club sport. Running the team, she said, has taught her more about managing an organization than any class could.

But her biggest challenge isn’t scheduling or strategy—it’s leadership.

“Figuring out when to be their friend, when to be their president, and when to be their coach was the hardest part,” she said.

Junior midfielder Sydney Shutzman said that balance keeps the team close.

“She’s the perfect mix of leader and teammate,” Shutzman said. “She sends every text, every update, and checks in on players’ academics and well-being.”

Support from CU’s athletic department is limited. Club sports receive administrative help but little funding, and experienced coaches can earn more through private programs.

“They support us where they can,” Mancini said, “but it’s hard to compete for talent.”

Behind the scenes, CU’s Recreation Services staff helps with logistics like hiring, scheduling, and team finances. Jerrell Kelly, the university’s assistant director of team sports, said his office steps in to handle travel and budgeting while players maintain control of team decisions.

“All money is internal to the university, so we spend it for them based on their requests,” Kelly said. “They tell us what they need, and we help make it happen.”

Kelly believes that, although the constant turnover of student leaders and coaches can be challenging, these positions also give students valuable leadership experience, a view Mancini shares.

“It’s taught me how to handle situations I never imagined,” she said. “I’ve learned more from this than any other experience in college.”

CU, which ranked among the top club teams in the nation in 2023, barely qualified for regionals last season and missed out on nationals—a sign that playing and coaching without outside help can hurt strategy. Still, the culture Mancini maintains keeps the program strong, attracting skilled players who stay for both the competition and the community.

“I almost felt like I found another sorority,” Shutzman said. “These girls are my closest friends.”

Despite late nights, heavy coursework, and unpaid hours, Mancini says the effort is worth it.

“This team means everything to me,” she said. “We might not have a coach, but we have each other—and that’s what keeps us going.”