Taryn VanThof Ready to Lead Sun Devil Lacrosse
Written by Jenna Nabors, a graduate student working for Sun Devil Athletics in the Public Relations Lab at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She will graduate in August 2022.
Sun Devil Athletics officially introduced Taryn VanThof as the new head coach of Arizona State Lacrosse in an introductory press conference on July 6, 2022.
Prior to coaching, VanThof was a three-time All-American midfielder at Loyola Maryland. In her final season, VanThof tallied a career-best 53 points, leading the Greyhounds to a NCAA Quarterfinal appearance.
In 2017, VanThof was selected as U.S. Women's National Team Member. She has played professionally since 2016, winning three championships while helping establish three new leagues.
Most recently, VanThof served as an assistant coach at Florida for six years, during which the Gators earned six NCAA Tournament victories, two elite eight appearances, and had an impressive 85-24 record.
"She has been where we want to go," said Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator Christina Wombacher.
VanThof's passion, energy and authenticity made her a standout choice for the role.
"When Taryn said to us, 'lacrosse is not a job, lacrosse is a lifestyle,' that really resonated with me," said Vice President of University Athletics Ray Anderson. "It really rang a bell because we want somebody here not to do a job, but to do it because it's a life passion."
From Florida to Arizona
For VanThof, the time was right to join the Sun Devils.
"When I arrived on campus, I knew right away it had a feel, it had a vibe. The sun is shining and the people are smiling," VanThof said. "From the administrative support to the facilities to the resources provided, coupled with an opportunity to grow a young program, I knew it was the perfect fit."
In March 2022, VanThof came to Arizona with Florida to face ASU. She remembers thinking that the practice field and stadium provided student athletes with a great atmosphere, and is excited to be a part of that now.
Setting Goals
One of VanThof's biggest goals as head coach is to expand Sun Devil Lacrosse. She wants the program to be not only known on the West Coast, but a nationally recognized brand and team. To do this, she emphasized the importance of developing student athletes on and off the field.
"Student athletes are more than just student athletes. They're people first and making sure we're developing them as people, students, athletes and even as a unit," she said.
She is working on bringing in an offensive coordinator and a defensive coordinator to manage both ends of the field.
A New Era
VanThof comes to Arizona State at the right time, as the team is coming off a record-breaking campaign.
In 2022, Sun Devil Lacrosse set new highs for overall and conference wins and made the PAC-12 Lacrosse Tournament Championship for the first time.
"They're coming off a strong, successful 2022 showing, and I can't wait to build on their success."