KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Kutztown University announced the appointment of Nicole Blair as its head women's lacrosse coach, Tuesday.
 
Blair is coming off a two-year run as the head coach at her alma mater, Albright College, where she led the Lions to improved win totals each season.
 
"We are excited to welcome Nicole Blair to Kutztown as our next head women's lacrosse coach," director of athletics Renee Hellert said. "Nicole brings the energy and passion needed to lead our program in a positive direction. Her focus on culture and leadership will enhance our program and continue to elevate the performance both on the field and in the classroom. I look forward to the impact Nicole will make with KU."
 
Blair inherited a two-win team at Albright and worked quickly to raise the program's performance level. The Lions won five games during Blair's first season at the helm in 2025 and saw their win total increase by another three games to eight in 2026.
 
"I'm thrilled for the opportunity to lead the women's lacrosse program at Kutztown," Blair said. "It is exciting and inspiring to work with a group of talented, smart, driven and passionate student-athletes. I'm excited to bring my energy, experience and passion for the game and player development to the Golden Bears. I want to thank Renee Hellert and the search committee for entrusting me to lead this incredible program forward."
 
Blair coached two All-MAC Commonwealth selections at Albright. Her student-athletes set multiple single-game and season records, while the team established a new single-game record for goals.
 
Blair was a defender on the Albright women's lacrosse team from 2019-23, playing in 62 career games. She forced 50 turnovers and picked up 82 ground balls and was the program's Defensive MVP as a senior in 2023. The Lions won 38 games during her time as a student-athlete and reached the MAC Commonwealth Tournament three times.
 
Following her collegiate playing career, Blair spent time as an assistant coach at Transylvania University and was a graduate assistant coach with King's College (Pa.) during the 2024 season.
 
"I'm looking forward to becoming part of the KU community and building relationships with our staff, student-athletes, alumni and supporters," Blair said. "I want to honor what this program has already accomplished while bringing my vision and energy to it. My goal is to keep Kutztown consistently competing at the highest level of Division II women's lacrosse and providing an experience the student-athletes are proud to be part of."
 
A Columbia, Md., native, Blair earned her bachelor's degree in biology and public health from Albright in 2023. In addition to being  a captain on the women's lacrosse team, she served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Athletics and Enrollment Management Committee and the Student Government Association.