WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The No. 10-ranked Williams College women's lacrosse team is adding two outstanding assistant coaches going into the 2026-27 academic year, as head coach
Bowen Holden announced the hiring of
Ally McCormick and
Gillian Horst Friday morning.
"I am thrilled to welcome Ally and Gillian to our staff at Williams,"Â said Holden. "Their playing experience at the NCAA Division I and NESCAC levels, combined with successful high school coaching and professional experience beyond the field, will bring valuable perspective to our program. They are driven and thoughtful leaders, and outstanding role models, who will make an immediate impact on our student-athletes."
McCormick competed as a Division I lacrosse student-athlete at Niagara from 2018-22, compiling 31 goals, six assists and 37 points. She was a four-time recipient of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Academic Honor Roll distinction and was named three times to the MAAC All-Academic Team. McCormick was heavily involved in the community during her undergraduate studies, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the Buffalo Bills.
The midfielder and attacker finished with 16 goals and five assists, while being selected as a team captain during her senior season. In 2022, McCormick earned Niagara's Unsung Hero award, given to one student-athlete per team who excels and demonstrates superior ability to perform in his or her sport. McCormick earned a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice, and a minor in military service and psychology, graduating with summa cum laude honors from Niagara in 2022.
She also received coaching experience during her college days, serving as an assistant club lacrosse coach with Nor'easter Lacrosse in Connecticut from 2018-20. McCormick assisted the head coach in planning and conducting practices, skill-development sessions and game-day preparation. She supported player development by providing individualized coaching, feedback and mentorship to improve performance and teamwork.
McCormick spent time as the head club coach for Red Devil Lacrosse in Cary, North Carolina, from 2024-26, mentoring high school student-athletes to improve technical skills, teamwork, discipline and on-field performance throughout the year. She organized practices, coordinated competition schedules and implemented training programs to support team growth and player development. Furthermore, McCormick directed game preparation and in-game strategy adjustments, while fostering a competitive and positive team environment.
McCormick has been in the U.S. Army for the last four years and stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She spent time as an operations officer, hazardous material adviser, team supervisor, training and development coordinator, assistant manager and deputy unit director. McCormick participated as a cadet in Niagara's ROTC program from 2018-22.
Horst played collegiate lacrosse at Little Three-rival Wesleyan in Middletown, Connecticut, from 2019-23, as she compiled 50 goals, 14 assists and 64 points, to go along with 66 draw controls, 52 ground balls and 21 caused turnovers. She served as a captain during her senior season and appeared in 46 games during her career, making 44 starts.
Horst was named to the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-Berkshire Region First and Second Team in 2021 and 2022, respectively, while also taking home NESCAC All-Conference Second Team laurels during the 2021 season. The 2022 and 2023 Cardinal teams reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Horst also competed for the women's soccer team at Wesleyan during her first year in 2019.
Horst graduated from Wesleyan in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in neuroscience and behavior, while minoring in quantitative analysis. She served the community as a Harlem Lacrosse tutor and spent time working with Nike Lacrosse camps on Cape Cod from 2021-22, guiding and developing players on a team and individual level, organizing and designing drills, and establishing an engaging environment.
Prior to joining Williams, Horst spent time as an assistant girls' varsity lacrosse coach at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., since January 2025. She assisted with practice planning and execution, led small group sessions in the offseason to improve stick skills, lacrosse IQ and game mechanics, and utilized film for scouting and player-learning purposes.
The Ephs are coming off a tremendous 2026 season, as Williams reached the NCAA Division III Tournament for the seventh time in program history and first time since the 2014 season. Williams won three games on the national stage, advancing to the Elite Eight for the fourth time ever and first time since 2003.
