RALEIGH, N.C. - William Peace University Athletics has announced the hiring of former Pacer standout Keslee Hylton as the next head coach of the women's lacrosse program.
A Peace graduate and one of the most accomplished student-athletes in university history, Hylton returns to Raleigh after earning her Master of Research in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Nottingham Trent University in England, where she also competed for the university's lacrosse program.
"We are excited to have Keslee take the reins of our lacrosse program!" Athletic Director Claude Shields said. "She knows Peace and she knows what it takes to succeed as a student-athlete both on and off the field. She will make an immediate impact on the lives of the student-athletes in our program. We can't wait for her to get started!"
During her time as a Pacer, Hylton finished 4th all time in scoring with 43 goals and 50 points in 39 career games while helping build the foundation of the program that started in 2019. She also contributed in goal in 2023 and served as a team captain.
In addition to her lacrosse career, Hylton competed as a starter for both the volleyball and basketball programs. She was a member of the Pacers' 2021 USA South Regular Season Championship volleyball team.
Off the field, Hylton graduated from William Peace with degrees in criminal justice and psychology. She was recognized as the university's 2024 Outstanding Graduate and received the Peace Award, William Peace University's highest leadership honor for a graduating senior. Hylton also presented independent research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and was actively involved on campus as an admissions ambassador, orientation leader, peer tutor, and member of multiple honor societies.
In addition to her playing accomplishments, Hylton has already gained valuable coaching experience at both the collegiate and developmental levels. Most recently, she served as a volunteer assistant coach for the William Peace women's lacrosse program, assisting with practice planning, game preparation, and player development.
While pursuing her master's degree, Hylton also served as a developmental team coach within Nottingham Trent University's lacrosse program, contributing to practice and training execution, and athlete performance development. She further expanded her realm as a certified England Lacrosse Level 1 women's lacrosse umpire.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach at the same place where my lacrosse journey began." Hylton said. "Lacrosse has given me so much over the years, and I am excited to give back to the program that invested so much in me. Being back at Peace is truly a full-circle moment, and I cannot wait to get started and help build something special alongside our student athletes."
Hylton will begin her duties immediately.