Caldwell tabbed as head coach of girls lacrosse

The Exeter Athletics Department has announced Alexa Caldwell as the next head coach of the girls lacrosse program. Caldwell, who is no stranger to being on the Big Red sidelines, takes over for renowned coach Christina Breen, who is stepping down after helping build the program to be one of the best in New England and the country.

“Alexa is a pillar in our community,” said Director of Athletics Jason Baseden. “She has proven to be an outstanding coach who connects with her team and loves the work and challenges that coaching brings. She is a strong mentor and a role model for all our students in our community and we are thrilled to have her lead the girls lacrosse program.”

Caldwell takes the reigns from Breen, who was with the program since 2011, including the last decade as head coach. Breen led Exeter to a 96-44-5 overall record during her 10 years at the helm of the program while matriculating dozens of players to the college ranks.

Caldwell, an instructor in history since 2015, has served as an assistant coach with the girls varsity lacrosse program for the past two seasons, helping lead Big Red to a 24-5-1 record over that span. Prior to joining the varsity coaching staff, she spent four years as the head coach of the girls JV program. She has also served as the head coach of the girls varsity soccer program since 2017.

“The girls lacrosse program has historically been a successful and competitive program and I am excited to help continue that legacy,” said Caldwell. “We all learn so many life skills from athletics and to have the opportunity to work with such a competitive team is really exciting. It is a great group of students. I feel really lucky to get to coach them.”

Prior to joining the coaching ranks, Caldwell was a standout lacrosse player at Brown University. A four-year starter with the Bears, Caldwell was named to the All-Ivy League team, Academic All-Ivy team, and Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association All-Academic team while serving as captain during her senior year. Caldwell earned her bachelor’s degree from Brown before attaining her master’s degree at Vanderbilt University.