MacKenzie Petersen joined the women's lacrosse coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2023. During her tenure, she has played an integral role in establishing the program as a national powerhouse.
As part of the coaching staff, Petersen has helped guide the team to an extraordinary run of success, including three consecutive Heart of America Conference Championships (2024, 2025, 2026) and three straight appearances in the NAIA National Tournament (2024, 2025, 2026). Her impact on the sidelines culminated in back-to-back NAIA National Championships in 2025 and 2026. Recognizing this unparalleled success, Petersen and the rest of the staff were honored as the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Coaching Staff of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.
In addition to her work on campus, Petersen contributes to the sport at the national level, serving on the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Rules, Safety & Game Administration (RSGA) board.
Prior to her coaching career, Petersen enjoyed a highly decorated playing career. A standout leader on the field, she served as a team captain for four years and earned All-Conference honors three times (2021, 2022, 2023). She was also recognized for her dedication in the classroom and her leadership off the field, being named a multi-time Scholar-Athlete and a recipient of the Champions of Character award in 2021 and 2023.
Petersen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from William Penn University before completing her Master of Arts in Business Administration from Benedictine College.
Originally a native of Albertville, Minnesota, Petersen now resides in Atchison, Kansas.
Â
