WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University women's lacrosse program has itself a new head coach in the form of local product Brooke Delara, announced Monday afternoon by Dr. Greg Lott and the Athletic Department.
Delara, a Lewis Center native and former star player at Capital University, has since returned to the north end of town and becomes the fourth coach in school history. She most recently spent the 2023 season as head girls lacrosse coach at Olentangy Berlin High School in addition to working full-time as an administrative director at Resolute Lacrosse.
"Brooke has a palpable energy about her that is certain to resonate with prospective student-athletes," said Lott, director of athletics. "She is well entrenched in the central Ohio women's lacrosse community, a region that has really been growing in both participation and skill. She has already developed a strong understanding of the game and a maturity that will allow her to elevate our program. We are thrilled to welcome her to our Cardinal family."
Delara enjoyed a memorable five-year career for Capital from 2018-22, earning her bachelor's degree in 2021 before using an extra year of eligibility as a graduate student. She delivered a standout spring in 2022 as the national leading in points, topping all of NCAA Division III with 167 total (79 goals, 88 assists). Those efforts helped Capital finish with a 20-1 record, winning the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament and making the second round of the NCAA Championships.
"I am thankful to so many people along this recent journey," Delara said. "I wouldn't be here without my head coach at Capital, Stacey Florence. My playing career falls back on her and she's helped prep me to take on a role like this. My family has been very supportive and is thrilled to see me join a place they know so well. Greg Lott is taking a chance on a young coach and allowing this opportunity to prove myself. All of my bosses and the people at Resolute helped get me into this profession. The list goes on, but I am just so appreciative to all that have been in my corner."
A 4x Academic All-OAC qualifier, Delara was voted 2022 OAC Midfielder of the Year and graduated with multiple school records for the Comets. The 2x All-Region performer finished with 389 career points (188 goals, 201 assists) in 74 games as Capital went a combined 60-15 overall with her in a Purple and White uniform.
"I was blessed with such a unique experience of having to endure and wait through COVID," Delara continued. "I thought it was the worst thing ever but it ultimately allowed me to take a fifth year, which became so special in many ways. It was a huge factor in showing me how to turn a negative into a positive and pushing yourself to accomplish more. Playing a sport is not always sunshine and rainbows. There are back-and-forth moments all the time. But I want my players to know that, if they put in the work, we can get to where we want. I'll be there to support them with every step."
Delara joined Resolute, a premier lacrosse club in the Midwest, during August of 2022. Her duties have since included the coordination (and strategic planning) of more than 40 team schedules, communication with regional directors and coaches, handling travel arrangements, assembling weekly/quarterly reports and more.
Delara attended nearby Olentangy Orange High School and has multiple family ties to Otterbein Athletics. Her father played football for the Cardinals while her older sister (Taylor) was part of the women's soccer program from 2013-16.
Otterbein has finished with an 8-8 record each of the past two seasons in women's lacrosse, making the OAC Tournament semifinals both times before coming up short of the title game.
"I want us to be a family that operates as one unit through different experiences," said Delara, when asked about her vision/identity of Otterbein women's lacrosse moving forward. "That is the only way to find success and also provides the most fun. I've obviously seen Otterbein from the outside and know there is a lot of potential across the board. If we work hard on the same page, I see us building countless memories that develop lifelong relationships. I can't wait to get started."
The Cards are set to begin their season come February 24 at Transylvania. Stay tuned to otterbeincardinals.com and all of our social media outlets for ongoing coverage!
