Air Academy has hired Chelsea Beal as its new girls lacrosse coach. The school announced the move in a press release on Sunday night.
Air Academy girls lacrosse coach Chelsea Beal. (Courtesy photo)
Beal, a 2008 graduate of Air Academy who played lacrosse and basketball while in school, takes over one of the state’s top programs. Former coach Sean Harmon led the Kadets to the championship last May, the third in his 15-year tenure. He resigned in June.
Beal played for Harmon, who was the only coach in the program’s history.
“I know the coach I am following has left a legacy; to fill this position will be no small feat,” Beal said in the press release announcing her hire. “But I will bring enthusiasm and determination every time I step on the field and I will expect the same passion from my players.”
Beal spent one season as a junior varsity coach at Palmer Ridge. She is a graduate of CU, and is also an officer in the U.S. Army and Colorado National Guard.
“She will be a perfect role model for our female athletes,” Air Academy athletic director Diane Shuck wrote in a text message on Sunday night.
Beal was hired after Air Academy had narrowed its search to four finalists. The school used a hiring committee “consisting of players, an assistant coach and an administrator,” according to the release.
“I feel blessed and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a successful program at my alma mater,” Beal said in the release. “Air Academy girls lacrosse has had so much success under my former coach, Sean Harmon. The bar will remain high with a commitment to a disciplined work ethic, leadership, and teamwork.”
Beal is the older sister of Miranda Beal, who played on Air Academy’s state championship teams in girls lacrosse and girls basketball in 2012. Miranda is now playing lacrosse at Navy.