Natalie Wills Obituary, OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND — The lacrosse community is mourning the loss of Natalie Wills, a respected coach, mentor, and former University of Maryland women’s lacrosse assistant coach, following her courageous battle with cancer. Wills’ passing has left family, friends, athletes, and colleagues remembering her dedication to the sport and the positive impact she made throughout her career.
Wills was widely known for her contributions to women’s lacrosse, including serving as a volunteer assistant coach with the University of Maryland women’s lacrosse program. She previously worked as an assistant coach at Boston University before continuing her career in lacrosse development and coaching.
Beyond collegiate coaching, Wills became an important figure in the Maryland lacrosse community through her work with USA Lacrosse and her involvement in developing young athletes. She also served as an assistant coach at McDonogh School, where she was admired for her passion for helping players grow both on and off the field.
Wills’ health journey became known publicly after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. Reports indicated that after treatment, the cancer later returned as metastatic breast cancer, spreading to other areas of her body. Throughout her fight, she continued to inspire many with her strength, optimism, and commitment to the lacrosse community.
Members of the lacrosse community rallied around Wills during her illness, organizing support efforts and fundraising events to assist with treatment and research. Her story touched many people who admired her resilience and the encouragement she continued to give others despite facing her own challenges.
Friends, athletes, and fellow coaches continue to honor Natalie Wills’ legacy as someone who dedicated her life to the game of lacrosse and to the people she coached and supported. Her influence will remain remembered by the many players and colleagues whose lives she impacted.
Natalie Wills will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the athletes she mentored, the teams she served, and the lacrosse community she helped strengthen. May she rest in peace.
Leave a Reply