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University News | July 30, 2026
Batten University has named Emilee Heffner as the new Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, welcoming one of the sport's emerging young coaches to lead the Marlins into a new era.
Heffner joins Batten after two successful seasons as an assistant coach at Transylvania University, where she played an integral role in every aspect of the program and helped guide the Pioneers to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2025 and 2026. During the 2026 campaign, she contributed to the program's first 10-win season since 2023.
"We are excited to welcome Emilee to the Batten Athletics family," said Brandon Elliott, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "She has quickly established herself as a rising coach in collegiate women's lacrosse and brings tremendous energy, a strong work ethic, and a passion for developing student-athletes. Her commitment to building meaningful relationships while striving for competitive excellence aligns perfectly with the vision of Batten University Athletics."
At Transylvania, Heffner's responsibilities extended far beyond the sidelines. She played a significant role in recruiting, helping bring in approximately half of the team's incoming student-athletes. She also oversaw academic support, coordinated team travel, managed social media, organized equipment operations and assisted with practice planning and player development.
Before joining the Transylvania staff, Heffner built her collegiate coaching experience through assistant coaching positions at Piedmont University and her alma mater, Oglethorpe University. In those roles, she focused on recruiting, player development and the day-to-day operations that support a successful program.
"I am incredibly honored and excited to join Batten University as the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach," said Heffner. "From the beginning of this process, it was clear that Batten is committed to providing an outstanding experience for its student-athletes both academically and athletically. I look forward to building a competitive program founded on strong relationships, accountability, and a culture where our student-athletes can thrive on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the campus community."
A former standout student-athlete, Heffner earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oglethorpe University in 2021. During her collegiate career, she was a five-year member of the women's lacrosse program and a four-year member of the women's soccer team. She also served as a team captain and a member of the athletic leadership council.
Committed to continuing her education while coaching, Heffner completed a Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida in 2025.
Her dedication to professional development has continued through participation in both the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Mentor Program and the IWLCA Aspire Program, experiences that have further prepared her for leadership at the collegiate level.
Now, Heffner brings that experience, energy and vision to Batten University, where she will begin leading the Marlins women's lacrosse program and preparing the team for the 2027 season.