Greenville, S.C. – Furman head women's lacrosse coach Kirkland Lewis has announced the additions of Destiny Colón and Karli Gilbert as assistant coaches for the upcoming 2023 season.

Colón will be assisting with the Paladin defenders and goalies while Gilbert will work with the offense and draw takers.

Colón just wrapped up a collegiate career that saw her play four seasons at VCU (2018-21) and fellow Big South member High Point (2022). She made 51 starts in 65 career games finishing with 31 ground balls and 24 caused turnovers. Colón was part of High Point's Big South Co-Regular Season Championship and a runner-up finish at the Big South Women's Lacrosse Championship.

"I am beyond thrilled and thankful for the opportunity to help guide this program to new heights alongside Coach K and Coach Gilbert," said Colón. "With this co?aching staff's philosophies and the support that Furman Women's Lacrosse is provided, it is obvious that we are on a path of achieving huge success. I cannot express how eager I am to arrive in Greenville and get to work on helping make our goals a reality."

A native of Annapolis, Md. and graduate of Annapolis High School, Colón coached at The Steward School from 2019-21, helping the program to the 2021 VISAA State Championship and earning VISAA Coaching Staff of the Year accolades.

She graduated from VCU in 2021 with a degree in homeland security and a minor in political science. Colón is currently working toward her Master's in business administration from High Point.

"Destiny's passion for leadership and service made it clear that she would be a strong example for our players," Lewis stated. "She is a sponge for all things lacrosse. Destiny's familiarity with the Big South made her the final piece to our program." 

Gilbert spent last season as an assistant coach at Butler and helped the Bulldogs record their most wins during a season in program history while also setting program marks for goals and assists in a season. Butler had its first-ever All-BIG EAST Conference selections in Campbell Connors and Lindsey Schreiber.

The Perkioenville, Pa., native also served as head coach of Dynamite Lacrosse for six seasons from 2015-21.

"I am extremely excited and grateful to be joining Coach K and the Paladins lacrosse family," Gilbert said. "This program has had great success and I cannot wait to contribute in leading this team. I'm looking forward to being a part of the big things coming for the 'Dins."

Gilbert played collegiately at Lock Haven and capped her career by scoring 15 goals during her senior season in 2021. She started every game during the 2020 season and scored nine goals while winning 21 draws during a shortened season. The year prior Gilbert would appear in four contests before coming down with an injury. She scored 12 goals over those four contests. In 2018, Gilbert started in 17 of 18 games and scored 23 goals. She was credited with 23 ground balls and 23 draw controls.

She graduated from Boyertown High School and was part of three conference championship teams.

"Karli stood out in the interview process with her knowledge of the game, passion for creating a positive student-athlete experience and her philosophy on how to best prepare individual players to reach their goals," said Lewis. "Her success as a player and confidence as a coach on the offensive end will help the program establish an identity offensively. Karli will bring great ideas and intuition to our program on and off the field."

Furman is coming off its inaugural season in the Big South Conference in 2022, finishing 8-8 overall and 7-2 against league opponents. The Paladins advanced to the semifinals of the Big South Women's Lacrosse Championship after defeating Winthrop in the first round.