Virginia Wesleyan University Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Hoover-Erbig announced Emerson Foster as the next head coach of the Women's Lacrosse program.
Foster joins Virginia Wesleyan after a successful tenure as an assistant coach at Randolph-Macon College, where she helped guide the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back 14-win seasons, tying the program record for most wins in a single year. During her time in Ashland, Foster specialized in coaching the defense and midfield units, mentoring multiple All-ODAC, All-State, and All-Region student-athletes while assisting the team to consecutive ODAC semifinal appearances.
"We are thrilled to welcome Emerson to the Marlin family," said Andrea Hoover-Erbig. "Her experience as both a highly accomplished student-athlete and a rising coach at the Division III level makes her the right leader to guide our program forward. She brings a passion for player development, strong recruiting ties, and an understanding of what it takes to compete for championships in the ODAC."
In addition to her work at Randolph-Macon, Foster also served as an assistant coach at Susquehanna University, where she oversaw recruiting efforts, practice planning, and the development of defensive and midfield players. She has also coached with Yellow Jackets South and MFL Lacrosse Club, where she focused on technical skill development and collegiate recruiting preparation for high-level athletes.
Foster expressed excitement about beginning her new role. "I am beyond excited and honored to be named the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Virginia Wesleyan University! I would like to thank the administration, the athletic department, and everyone involved in the process for providing me with this opportunity," Foster said. "I look forward to building on the tradition of VWU Women's Lacrosse. I am committed to empowering our student-athletes on and off the field and fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and leadership. To the current and future Marlins, I cannot wait to get started! Together, we'll elevate our game and make an impact we can all be proud of."
A standout player herself, Foster was a four-year starter and two-year team captain at Roanoke College, where she earned numerous accolades including All-ODAC First Team (2019, 2021, 2022), All-State First Team, and All-Region Second Team honors. She helped lead Roanoke to back-to-back ODAC Finals appearances and the program's first NCAA Tournament berth since 2009.
Foster, a Richmond native and graduate of St. Catherine's School, earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Roanoke College.
