Maryville University women's lacrosse coaching duo Melissa Gyllenborg and Carly Shisler have been named the 2026 IWLCA Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year. This accolade marks a second recognition after they achieved a historic NCAA Tournament run, culminating in their first appearance in the DII championship game. The Saints notched significant wins, including defeating No. 3 Indianapolis and reaching the finals, ultimately closing the season as national runners-up and securing the highest program ranking.

By the Numbers
  • Maryville finished as national runners-up and ranked No. 2 in the final IWLCA poll.
  • Paige Murphy led the nation in scoring with 113 goals; Helen Bae is Maryville's all-time leader with 262 goals.
Yes, But

This achievement, while monumental, is shadowed by the tough final match loss to top-seed Florida Southern, highlighting the challenges faced by emerging programs in collegiate sports.

State of Play
  • The Maryville Saints achieved their deepest tournament run in program history during the 2026 season.
  • Three players earned IWLCA All-American honors under Gyllenborg and Shisler's coaching.
What's Next

The coaching staff will be recognized at the upcoming 2026 IWLCA Convention in St. Pete Beach, Fla., where they will engage with leaders from across collegiate women's lacrosse.

Bottom Line

Maryville's coaching staff has transformed the program into a competitive force in women's lacrosse, earning both recognition and respect within the NCAA landscape. Their ability to guide talented players to individual honors demonstrates their effective leadership and coaching prowess.