SARASOTA, Fla. - New College of Florida head women's lacrosse coach Tom Flynn has announced the additions of
Heather Ballew and
Kaitlyn Patterson as assistant coaches for the Mighty Banyans' inaugural season.
"Coach Heather and Coach Kaitlyn are both accomplished players and coaches, and most importantly, great people," Flynn said. "As with Coach Segriff, they'll be great role models for our players and I couldn't be more excited about the impact they'll have on this program and our players this spring and going forward."
Heather Ballew
Ballew joins New College after more than two decades of experience in both lacrosse leadership and business operations. A USA Lacrosse Certified Coach (Levels 1–3) and Certified Official, she currently serves as Director of Operations and Head Coach for True Florida Girls Lacrosse in Sarasota, where she oversees statewide programming, coach development, and tournament operations.
A former team MVP at Clemson University, Ballew was a four-year starter, captain, and President of Clemson's WCLA Division I women's lacrosse team, leading multiple Southeastern Women's Lacrosse League (SWLL) playoff appearances and spearheading Clemson's first Title IX varsity application.
In addition to collegiate play, Ballew has coached across every level, including Sarasota High School Varsity, Gulf Coast Lacrosse (SOTALAX), and Bay Area Lacrosse Club, and co-founded multiple nonprofit lacrosse programs in Florida and Maryland dedicated to player development and access to the sport.
Kaitlyn Patterson
Patterson brings a standout collegiate playing career and strong leadership background from Webber International University, where she was a four-year starter and four-year captain as a midfielder.
Patterson was a two-time All-Conference Honorable Mention selection, earning recognition in both the Mid-South Conference (2022) and The Sun Conference (2023) and was named Defensive Player of the Week during her senior campaign in 2024.
Her sophomore season was among the most productive in program history, totaling 44 goals, 6 assists, 50 points, and 70 draw controls. Patterson also served as Webber's Champion of Character nominee in 2021, reflecting her commitment to leadership and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Known for her clutch performances, Patterson delivered several game-winning goals for the Warriors, including key victories over Ave Maria, Georgetown (Ky.), and Johnson (Tenn.).
