New Paltz, NY — After five seasons at the helm of the State University of New York at New Paltz women's lacrosse program, Keith Detelj will step down as head coach of the Hawks program, accepting a position on the Kennesaw State University women's lacrosse staff.
 
Detelj brought unprecedented success to the SUNY New Paltz women's lacrosse program since taking over as interim in 2017. The Hawks won just six games combined the two seasons prior and in his first year at the helm in 2017, upped the program's win total to 5-9 on the season. He matched that success in 2018 before leading the team to its best season in program history during his first full-time season in 2019. SUNY New Paltz finished 8-8 overall, winning a record four games in conference — matching the last five seasons combined — and the program earned their very first bid into the SUNYAC postseason tournament.
 
"From the first time I met Keith, he is one of the most caring people I have met. He took a vested interest in the players immediately and took the time to get to know them and help them grow in all aspects of their lives," said SUNY New Paltz Associate Director of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Brian Williams who also served as Detelj's assistant coach during the 2017 season. "Keith is a very demanding coach but does it in a way that the players know he wants them to succeed and reach their potential.
 
"We had a lot of fun [coaching together] and Keith became a friend as well as colleague," Williams added. "He took the time to get to know my family and I know we will always stay in touch and while I am sad to see him leave, I look forward to watching him in the next phase of his career and life."
 
 
During the 2019 season, SUNY New Paltz defeated SUNY Potsdam, Plattsburgh State, Fredonia State and Buffalo State with the latter coming in dramatic fashion — on the road in overtime for the team's first victory over the Bengals since 2012 to ultimately clinch a coveted playoff berth.
 
After a shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, the Hawks had their first winning season in program history finishing 2021 at 5-3 overall including earning the program's first-ever win over Catskill Cup rival SUNY Oneonta. SUNY New Paltz defeated the Red Dragons, 13-12 thanks to a seven-goal performance by then senior Amy Hofer.
 
"Throughout my four years, the program had made so much progress and each season we had shown such a significant improvement from the previous year," Hofer said. "Setting a higher standard each year was important because it set us up to have even more successful seasons to follow. Each accomplishment was just a step in the right direction to build the program into what Keith knew it could be. I think that Keith helped establish those standards each year by having a constant championship mindset, not only as a team but as individuals as well."
 
During his tenure, Detelj coached nine All-SUNAC selections, including a record five honorees at the end of the 2021 season with Hofer and current junior Maddie Gillis earning second-team honors. Detelj also guided eight different players who are currently listed in the top-5 of the team's single-season or career program records in eight different statistical categories, including Tara Bovich and Haley Timarky who are the current single-season goal and career goals against average leaders, respectively.
 
Hofer and Bovich, meanwhile, spent all four years with Detelj and concluded their Hawks careers as a couple of the best to ever to play for the program. Hofer finished second all-time in goals, fifth in points and ninth in draw controls, while Bovich stands seventh all-time in goals, ninth in assists and sixth in points with both playing in two shortened seasons to end their careers due to COVID-19.
 
"He helped me develop my skills, identify my strengths and weaknesses, and to figure out the best way to set up for success, on and off the field," Hofer said. "My accomplishments as an athlete were feasible because he put me in the best position to succeed."
 
Detelj, who graduated from Marist College in 2007 as a two-sport athlete, lettering in lacrosse and soccer, finishes his head coaching career with the Hawks at 25-32 overall, leaving as the winningest coach in program history. Detelj will make the jump back to Division I, joining the Owls who compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN).
 
"Coaching with him was a great experience," Williams added. "We had a lot of challenges the first few years and it was really rewarding to watch Keith take over the program and instill his vision. It was done through a lot of hard work and patience. He taught every day and poured his heart into all he did."
 
SUNY New Paltz will be conducting a national search for the women's lacrosse coaching vacancy. 


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