Coach Preston enters her first year at the helm of the Vixen Lacrosse program in 2012. Preston was a four-year varsity athlete at NCAA Division I St. Bonaventure University in New York and received numerous honors and awards. As a senior at St. Bonaventure, she was Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference. 

Preston began her coaching career immediately following college.  She served as an assistant lacrosse coach at Endicott College while pursuing her Master’s of Education degree with a concentration in Sports Management.  From there, Preston went on to the hold the position of assistant lacrosse coach at Emerson College.  Most recently, she served as program director for the New England Select Lacrosse League for Girls.  Preston has also run numerous camps and clinics all over the East Coast—including camps as Villanova University, Towson University and Binghamton University.

Preston commented, “I am honored to be named the next head coach at Sweet Briar College. When I walked on campus I immediately knew that Sweet Briar was a special place, and I wanted to be a part of that.  I look forward to building on the Sweet Briar athletic tradition and adding to the foundation that has been laid before me. I look forward to stepping in immediately and having a positive impact on the program.  I am excited to have this opportunity and appreciate all that Sweet Briar represents: Tradition, Integrity and Excellence. These are all principles that I find essential both on and off the field and I know that my new team will reflect these standards and values.”

In addition to Head Lacrosse Coach, Preston serves as the Assistant Facilities Director. She helps in scheduleing of student workers in the FAC building as well as workers for game day. Preston is always availble to give a tour, or to help explain the technology in the Theater or Classrooms.

Carolyn Burton joined the Sweet Briar coaching staff in the spring of 2011. Burton was a two-sport Division III athlete at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. While at Clarkson Burton was a 4-year starting goalie, her senior year she was named Captain and at the end of the year recieved the MVP award. Burton graduated in 2004 with a BS in Management and Liberal Studies, with a minor in Economics.

In her “day job,” Carolyn serves the college as the Director of Human Resources. She earned her Certificate in Human Resources from Cornell University and a Certificate in Non-Profit Fundraising from the University of Richmond. Burton participated in a women’s leadership program – HIGHER Ground – at Virginia Commonwealth University and continues to serve on the advisory board of that program.  

Burton served as Program Director for the youth girls’ program of Geronimo Lacrosse in Richmond for nine years (2002 -2010), providing a fun, supportive and successful experience for hundreds of girls learning and honing their lacrosse skills.  She also coached Geronimo all-star teams to post-season tournament play in Baltimore.  Burton is a certified Level 1 US Lacrosse coach and has also attended training through the Positive Coaching Alliance.

Coach Preston had this to say about Burton " Carolyn has been a great help working with our goalies. She knows the game well and has a wealth of experience at the position.  The girls
enjoy working with her and she really pushes them on both the technical and mental aspects of being a goaltender."

Joe Craig joined the Sweet Briar Lacrosse staff in the fall of 2010. In addition to coaching lacrosse Craig is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Sweet Briar.  He received his Ph.D from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2010.  He graduated from Kenyon College in 2004 with a B.A. in Mathematic and Economics. 

While at Kenyon Craig played football, he was a four year starter, 2 time all conference selection, and a 2 year captain. While studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland Craig was recruited to play lacrosse for Edinburgh.  His emphasis was on the defensive side of the sport. Joe was also a member of the Kenyon College track team staff his senior year, coaching the throws section of the field team.

Coach Preston had this to say about Craig's dedication to the team "Joe is a great asset to our staff. He is a vital part of our strength and conditioning element and he is very dedicated and passionate about the program.  Although he is rather new to women's lacrosse, his commitment speaks volumes and his excitement and passion for the game without a doubt trickles down to each of our players."