(Tempe, AZ) Sun Devil Lacrosse Head Coach Taryn VanThof announced the addition of former James Madison assistant coach and 2018 National Champion Haley Warden to the coaching staff on Thursday.
Warden comes to Arizona State after spending the past three seasons at James Madison, where she served as the offensive coordinator for her Alma Mater. She brings an impressive resume with her to Tempe, having found success at the highest level as both a coach and player.
“I am excited to welcome Coach Warden to the Sun Devil Lacrosse family,” Head Coach Taryn VanThof exclaimed. “Haley brings international and professional playing experience, is a great leader and communicator, and continues to blossom as a coach. She understands what it takes to be the best.”
Over the course of a brilliant four-year run with the Dukes, Warden established herself as one of the best to ever wear the purple and gold. She capped her playing career in the ultimate fashion, captaining the 2018 team to the NCAA Championship, the first in program history. Warden was named the Most Outstanding Player of the National Championship Game after delivering a four-goal performance in the 16-15 win over Boston College.
“I am honored and humbled to be named assistant coach at Arizona State University,” Haley Warden remarked. “I would like to thank Coach VanThof and Sr. Associate AD/SWA Christina Wombacher for this amazing opportunity.”
During her three years as part of the coaching staff at James Madison, she assisted in all areas of the women’s lacrosse program, including recruiting, coaching, and developing student-athletes. She specifically worked with the draw takers and offensive personnel in skill development, game planning, and overall team concepts.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Shelley Klaes and am forever grateful for all that she has done for me,” Warden mentioned. “James Madison and Dukes Lacrosse will always hold a special in my heart.”
Throughout her three year stint as the offensive coordinator, James Madison maintained the standard set by Warden and the 2018 National Championship team. The Dukes compiled a 31-11 record during that time, appearing and securing victories in the past two NCAA Tournaments.
One of the biggest wins in program history came this past season, with James Madison picking up a monumental victory over No. 3 Maryland on the road. Warden’s offense and draw control unit were extremely effective in the 13-8 win, just the fourth victory by the Dukes in the 46-game history of the rivalry.
James Madison won the 2021 CAA Tournament Championship, becoming the first team in conference history to win four-straight titles, with Warden patrolling the sidelines as a coach after winning two of the titles as a player.
A member of the James Madison roster was named an All-American eight times during Warden’s tenure, highlighted 2022 Tewaaraton Nominee Isabella Peterson and fellow 2022 All-Americans Mairead Durkin and Molly Dougherty. The Dukes were consistently one of the top teams in the CAA in both draw controls and scoring over the past three seasons. In 2020, Warden’s draw control unit thrived, finishing ninth nationally in draw control percentage.
Warden has parlayed a standout playing career into success in coaching as well as opportunities to play at the professional and international levels. Her experience in all of these areas made her the ideal candidate for the role.
“Coach Warden offers the entire package,” Coach VanThof observed. “She is coming off winning a Gold Medal with Team USA this summer, competing with the best players in the World. She knows how to get to the professional level. She has also coached and developed some of the top draw specialists and offensive threats in the NCAA. I can’t wait to see her hit the ground running in Tempe!”
This summer, Warden was selected as an alternate for Team USA, serving as a member of the training team ahead of the 2022 Women’s Lacrosse World Championships. Team USA won the Gold Medal, defeating Team Canada to become the first country to win on home turf.
Before she was representing her country, Warden was a two-time All-American at James Madison. She finished her four-year career with 245 draw controls, which is still a program record. Warden is also second all-time at JMU in career (119) and single-season (47) caused turnovers. She was named the 2017 CAA Player of the Year and followed that up by being selected as the 2018 CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
While her defense was a focus, she was equally as effective on the offense end, emerging as one of the nation’s best two-way players. During an incredible senior season in 2018, Warden was a Tewaaraton Top-25 Nominee after putting up insane numbers. She finished with 46 goals and 11 assists (57 points) while adding 46 ground balls, 45 caused turnovers, and 108 draw controls.
Warden cemented herself as one of the all-time greats at James Madison during the 2018 National Championship run, delivering one of the most unforgettable performances in recent memory. In helping the Dukes take down No. 2 North Carolina in the NCAA Semifinals,
Warden scored five goals while also collecting ten draw controls. She wasn’t done coming through in the clutch, putting together a four-goal performance two days later to lead James Madison to the 2018 NCAA Title. Her goal with 1:05 left proved to be the difference in the 16-15 victory, leading to her being named the Most Outstanding Player.
She received her B.B.A in Computer Information Systems from James Madison in 2018 and immediately pursued a professional career.
Warden was drafted by the WPLL Pride, competing in the inaugural season for the league in 2018. She was recently a part of another groundbreaking league, playing with Athletes Unlimited during the 2021 season. Warden served as a captain during the five-week season and finished seventh in overall stat points.
Warden will be joined in Tempe by her dog, Charlie.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Connor Smith
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