Chowan College Women's Lacrosse

Keisha Gills enters her first season at the helm of the Chowan Women's Lacrosse program after being named head coach. Gills brings a strong background in coaching, player development, recruiting, and leadership as she begins a new chapter leading the Hawks. "We are excited to add Coach Gills to our quiver of talented coaches on our athletic department staff," said Meredith Long, Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator. "She brings both experience and enthusiasm to a program that we know will take off under her guidance. Gills expressed her excitement about joining the Chowan family and the opportunity to work with the student-athletes while helping shape the future of the program. She arrives in Murfreesboro following a successful tenure at the University of the District of Columbia, where she served as Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach from 2021-26. During her time with the Firebirds, Gills worked with the head coach in developing practice plans, implementing game strategies, and overseeing player development initiatives. She also played an integral role in recruiting efforts, identifying and evaluating prospective student-athletes while providing mentorship that supported their academic, athletic, and personal growth. Beyond the collegiate level, Gills has demonstrated her leadership through several coaching and administrative roles. As a Site Director for MoCo Lacrosse in Montgomery County, Maryland, she supervised a staff of 5-8 counselors while organizing instructional drills and competitive activities. Gills also worked with WINNERS Lacrosse, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving youth throughout Washington, D.C., and served as the head coach of Bethesda Lacrosse's 2030 team in 2023. In addition to her coaching experience, Gills served as Member Experience Coordinator at the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she managed customer service operations and helped create a positive and welcoming environment for members and families. A 2019 graduate of William Peace University, Gills earned a degree in Liberal Studies while competing as an attacker for the Pacers women's lacrosse program. Her experience as both a student-athlete and coach has helped shape her commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom, and within their communities. Gills brings a passion for the game, a commitment to student-athlete development, and a proven track record of leadership as she begins her first season leading the Hawks.

Nakasuji enters her third season as the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach. She took over the program in its third year of existence. During the 2015-2016 season the Hawks finished with a 1-13 record. In 2015, Nakasuji produced the DII All-Independant Player of the Year, Mackenzie Reid. Reid, in addition to fellow teammates Sierra Burston and Adriea Herndon, also received DII All-Independent honors.  Prior to taking the reins at Chowan, Nakasuji served a two-year coaching stint at Adrian College; first as an assistant coach, and then as head coach.  She guided the program to two-straight MIAA regular season and tournament championships (2013, 2014), including a combined 18-0 conference record and 29-9 overall record.  Adrian secured a berth to the NCAA Tournament in both seasons.  In 2014, Nakasuji coached eight All-MIAA players, two All-Region selections and the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and MIAA Rookie of the Year.  Before coaching at Adrian, Nakasuji coached highly successful elite club programs in Ontario, Canada.  She also gained valuable coaching experience through an internship at Limestone College under the guidance of head coach, Scott Tucker.  Nakasiju competed for Limestone College from 2008-2011.  She led the Lady Saints to four consecutive Conference Carolinas Regular Season and Tournament Championships.  The squad made NCAA Division II Tournament appearances each of her four years at Limestone and played in the National Championship final her senior year.  As a four-year starter for the Lady Saints, she competed in 79 games and compiled 61 ground balls, 24 draw controls and 20 caused turnovers.  During Nakasujis playing career, the Lady Saints collected an impressive 70 wins.  In 2011, she was recognized with All-American Honorable Mention honors and was selected to the prestigious IWLCA North-South All-Star Game.  She earned All-Conference Carolinas recognition twice (2010, 2011) and earned All-Tournament honors in 2011.  Nakasuji graduated from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in 2012 with a Bachelor of Educations. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from Limestone College and majored in both Physical Education and Strength & Conditioning with a minor in Coaching.  The Ajax, Ontario Canada native currently resides in Murfreesboro, N.C. She has an infant son, Hudson Williams.