In only her second year as head coach, Shanta Loecker is being forced to part ways with Colorado Mesa University. 

The women’s lacrosse program won the last sanctioned game of any 2020 CMU spring sport with a 13-12 victory over Rockhurst University back on March 11. Lone behold, it was also Loecker’s last appearance at the helm for the Mavericks. 

In Loecker’s time in Grand Junction, the team had an overall record of 17-6 record and ended 2020’s short campaign going 2-2. Last season, the Mavericks made it all the way to the second round of the NCAA National Championship Tournament before losing to No.2 Regis.

2019 was considered the most successful year in program history and CMU came into this spring ranked in the Top 25. The NCAA Tournament appearance from 2019 was the Mavericks’ first time ever in that position. 

“I would like to acknowledge and thank Coach Loecker for her contributions and efforts during her tenure here at CMU,” CMU co-Athletic Director Kris Mort told the CMU Athletic Department. 

The reason for the departure remains unclear at the moment, however, the program did see the departure of a good number of players during Loecker’s time as head coach. The Mavericks had only six upperclassmen on the 2020 roster and not one of them were seniors. 

Assistant coach Ashley Delaney has been named the interim head coach while a search for a full-time replacement will begin immediately.