OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Director of Athletics Jordan Hoover announced the hiring of Kendra Herbenar as the head women's lacrosse coach on Monday evening. Herbenar will take the helm of the Mustangs on August 24, 2026.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kendra Herbenar to Stevenson as our new head women's lacrosse coach. Kendra brings an impressive level of experience, a proven understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level, and, most importantly, a clear vision for building a championship-caliber program," said Hoover.

"Kendra's ability to quickly build meaningful relationships and her genuine commitment to the growth and development of the student-athletes she leads were evident throughout the interview process. Her vision for creating a culture rooted in competitive excellence, accountability, and student-athlete development strongly aligns with our new vision for Stevenson Athletics. I am confident Kendra is the right leader to guide our women's lacrosse program into its next chapter, and I believe she has the experience, passion, and leadership to position the Mustangs among the top programs in the country."

Herbenar joins Stevenson after serving as the assistant head coach at Christopher Newport University during the 2025-26 season. She helped lead the Captains to two C2C Championships and an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2026 while helping develop three All-Americans, including the program's first-ever All-American defender, five All-Region selections and seven All-Conference honorees. Herbenar was involved in all aspects of the program, including practice planning, game strategy, recruiting, student-athlete development, camps and clinics, and team operations.

Prior to CNU, Herbenar spent six seasons on the coaching staff at Messiah, helping the Falcons to a 65-35 overall record, a 34-5 conference mark, three NCAA Tournament appearances and the 2021 MAC Commonwealth Championship. During her tenure, she helped coach five All-Americans, including two first-team selections.

Herbenar also enjoyed a decorated four-year playing career at Messiah, earning two first-team All-Conference selections, the 2018 MAC Commonwealth Defensive Player of the Year, second-team All-American honors and first-team All-Region recognition. She helped the Falcons post a 59-18 record, win four consecutive conference championships and make four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2017.
Herbenar finished her career among Messiah's all-time leaders with 128 caused turnovers, 134 draw controls and 139 ground balls. As a senior, she set a program record with 57 caused turnovers and ranked among the nation's elite as one of just five NCAA players to record at least 50 caused turnovers, 50 ground balls and 90 draw controls in 2018.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the Head Women's Lacrosse coach at Stevenson University. I want to thank Jordan Hoover and the entire search committee for trusting me with the opportunity to lead this program. From my conversations and time on campus, it was clear that Stevenson is a community that cares deeply about its student-athletes and is committed to providing them with an exceptional experience both on and off the field," said Herbenar.

"Having the opportunity to return to Maryland and build a program in the place I call home makes this next chapter especially meaningful to me. My experience coaching with two nationally ranked programs has shaped my understanding of what it takes to build a strongly connected and highly competitive team. I am excited to bring those experiences to Stevenson, and to begin building a championship-level culture with the entire Mustang community."

Herbenar earned a bachelor's degree in applied health science from Messiah University.