coaching staff

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Brittney grew up in the hotbed of lacrosse. She attended Century High School where she showcased her exceptional lacrosse skills as a varsity player for years garnering two State Titles. In 2006, Brittney’s talent and dedication led her to commit to The Ohio State University, where she excelled as an attack player for the Buckeyes. During her time at OSU, Brittney’s outstanding performance earned her the recognition of being a two-time Regional All-American. Her impact on the team was further solidified by setting two impressive school records, namely, Most Goals in a Half and Most Points in a Half. These remarkable achievements highlight Brittney’s exceptional skills and her ability to contribute significantly to her team’s success. Since 2011, Brittney’s passion for the game is unparalleled, and she finds great joy in witnessing the growth and development of players, both on and off the field. Her commitment to their overall development as athletes and individuals is evident in her coaching approach, making her a valuable asset to the Lucky Lax community. With her deep-rooted connection to her hometown, stellar collegiate career, and impactful coaching journey, Brittney’s journey in lacrosse is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and sincere love for the sport.  

Allie Level is a highly accomplished lacrosse coach with a deep-rooted love for the game. Born and raised in California, Allie discovered her passion for lacrosse at a young age and excelled as a player throughout her high school years at Navato High School. Her exceptional skills on the field led her to achieve impressive rankings, consistently ranking within the Top 10 lacrosse players in the United States. After high school, Allie worked with various clubs in California, where she had the opportunity to mentor and develop numerous talented players. Her coaching style emphasized skill development, strategic play, and a deep understanding of the game. Allie attended UC Berkeley for her undergraduate studies, before attending The Ohio State University for her Masters. During her time at Ohio State, Allie became a household name in Columbus for her commitment to developing high-level players. Allie’s coaching experience in Central Ohio has been nothing short of remarkable. She has conducted intensive training sessions and provided valuable lessons to over 150 players. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering passion for the sport have inspired countless athletes to reach new heights in their lacrosse journeys. 

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Brittney grew up in the hotbed of lacrosse. She attended Century High School where she showcased her exceptional lacrosse skills as a varsity player for years garnering two State Titles. In 2006, Brittney’s talent and dedication led her to commit to The Ohio State University, where she excelled as an attack player for the Buckeyes. During her time at OSU, Brittney’s outstanding performance earned her the recognition of being a two-time Regional All-American. Her impact on the team was further solidified by setting two impressive school records, namely, Most Goals in a Half and Most Points in a Half. These remarkable achievements highlight Brittney’s exceptional skills and her ability to contribute significantly to her team’s success. Since 2011, Brittney’s passion for the game is unparalleled, and she finds great joy in witnessing the growth and development of players, both on and off the field. Her commitment to their overall development as athletes and individuals is evident in her coaching approach, making her a valuable asset to the Lucky Lax community. With her deep-rooted connection to her hometown, stellar collegiate career, and impactful coaching journey, Brittney’s journey in lacrosse is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and sincere love for the sport.  

Catherine Shelley is a dedicated lacrosse enthusiast hailing from Dublin, Ohio. With a passion for the sport that dates back to her college days, she has made significant contributions to the lacrosse community both as a player and a coach. Catherine’s lacrosse journey began during her time at Ohio University. As a player, she displayed exceptional talent and a deep understanding of the game. In 2003, Catherine took her love for lacrosse to the next level by founding Lucky Lax. She aimed to share her knowledge and passion for the sport with young athletes, nurturing their talent and guiding them towards success. Her dedication and expertise quickly made Lucky Lax a trusted name in the lacrosse community. Currently, Catherine is the Head Coach at Grizzell Middle School, where she continues to make a lasting impact on the local lacrosse scene. In her first year as head coach, she led the team to impressive achievements, securing a championship title and a runner-up position. Her leadership skills and ability to inspire her players have undoubtedly played a significant role in the team’s success. Outside of lacrosse, Catherine is a devoted mother to four children. Despite her busy schedule, she actively engages in various youth academic and athletic initiatives. Recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education and extracurricular involvement, she strives to support and encourage young students in their endeavors. Her passion for the sport, coupled with her dedication to nurturing young talent, continues to inspire and shape the future of lacrosse in Dublin, Ohio, and beyond.

Amanda Shimp is an Endwell, New York native, and a 2009 graduate from The Ohio State University. At Ohio State, Shimp earned her BA degree in Middle Childhood Education, with minors in Education and African & African American Studies. Athletically, she was a three-year starter of the Women’s Lacrosse team. Shimp earned American Lacrosse Conference All-Conference honors in 2007 and All-Tournament honors in 2007 and 2008 as a midfielder. After graduation, Shimp went on to earn her Masters in Sports Administration from the University of Louisville. In 2011, Shimp joined the Winthrop University Coaching Staff as an Assistant Coach. At Winthrop, she led the team to multiple Big South Tournament titles, and NCAA tournament appearances within the first 3 years of competition. In 2016, Shimp was hired as the Assistant Coach at Virginia Tech. In 2017, she helped them to engineer the most successful season in 18 years, followed by a NCAA bid in 2018. In 2020, she was promoted to Associate Head Coach for Virginia Tech.

Haylee Handrahan is a Columbus, Ohio native and 2021 Lucky Lax alum. She played varsity lacrosse at Hilliard Darby High School, where she was a team captain and earned All-OCC and All-Region honors. She began her college career at Robert Morris University, competing at the Division I level and helping the team win the MAC Championship in 2024, along with regular season titles in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, she transferred to the University of Mount Union, where she was part of the 2025 OAC Championship team. Haylee is currently completing a double major in Management and Marketing with minors in Psychology and Leadership Studies. Her experience as a midfielder and attacker, along with her leadership both on and off the field, fuels her passion for helping young athletes grow, compete, and love the game.

Bridget Driscoll is a Columbus, Ohio native where she attended New Albany High School. At New Albany she was a two-time captain and helped lead the team to three state championship appearances. She continued her education and lacrosse career at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, majoring in Economics and Philosophy. Here, she was a four-year starter and helped her team to their first four conference tournament appearances and the programs first NCAA tournament appearance, where they made it to the second round in 2023. At DePauw she was 2024 NCAC Midfielder of the Year, three-time First Team All-NCAC, 2024 Second Team All-Region, and 2025 First Team All-Region. She holds records for most career points, draws, assists, ground balls, and caused turnovers. She is so excited to be coaching and sharing her knowledge with rising players!

Zara Johnson is a Dublin, Ohio native and 2022 graduate of Dublin Jerome High School who played for Lucky Lax for five years. A defender, she continued her collegiate lacrosse career at Davenport University before transferring to Maryville University, where she earned her degree in Biology. One of the highlights of her playing career was competing in the NCAA National Championship game in her final collegiate season. Zara currently works as a Livestock Technician at Select Sires and is passionate about helping young athletes develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game. 

Graciella Balcerzak is a 2024 graduate of New Albany High School and a 2024 alum of Lucky Lax. She was a 2022 state champion and earned 1st Team All-OCC and 2nd Team All-Region honors in 2024. Graciella attends The Ohio State University as part of the Class of 2028, where she serves as the Social Media Chair for the club lacrosse team. Off the field, she enjoys drinking matcha and playing pickleball.

Courtney Gittins is a distinguished figure in the realm of lacrosse, marked by her outstanding career as both a player and a coach. Her journey began at Columbus Academy, where she emerged as a standout athlete and leader. As a two-time Team Captain and First Team All-State player, Courtney played a pivotal role in securing the State Championship in 2011, setting a precedent for excellence early in her career. Continuing her lacrosse journey at Rollins College, Courtney made significant contributions from 2014 to 2016. Her tenure at Rollins was highlighted by remarkable achievements, including being part of the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) Championship teams in 2015 and 2016. Furthermore, she played a crucial role in leading her team to the Elite 8 Finals in both those years, showcasing her skill, determination, and leadership on the field. After concluding her collegiate playing career, Courtney transitioned seamlessly into coaching, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for the sport to the next generation of athletes. From 2017 to 2018, she served as a Varsity Assistant Coach at Columbus Academy, where she imparted her knowledge and expertise to young players, helping them develop both their skills and their love for lacrosse. Courtney Gittins’ commitment to lacrosse is evident in her multifaceted contributions as a player and a coach. Her achievements on the field, coupled with her dedication to mentoring and coaching, have left an indelible mark on the sport and continue to inspire those who have had the privilege of learning from her.

Jamie Level is a dedicated lacrosse enthusiast hailing from California. With a deep-rooted passion for the sport, Jamie’s collegiate journey in lacrosse began during her time at Oregon before her decision to transfer to Ohio State University to further her lacrosse career. During her time at Ohio State, Jamie not only excelled on the field but also pursued her academic aspirations. She successfully completed her undergraduate studies and continued her educational journey by earning a Masters degree, graduating in 2023. Her commitment and drive both in academics and athletics have been integral to her personal growth and development as a well-rounded individual. Jamie’s coaching experience extends beyond her collegiate years. Prior to her move to Ohio, she had the privilege of coaching alongside her sister, Allie Level, in a club coaching capacity in California, in addition to providing individual and small group training in Columbus. This experience allowed her to mentor and nurture young athletes, helping them harness their skills and fostering a love for the game. Jamie firmly believes in the transformative power of lacrosse, as it has provided her with invaluable opportunities and experiences. She is determined to extend those same opportunities to the next generation of talented athletes.

Emily Kendall is a Columbus, Ohio native and a 2022 Lucky Lax alum. She attended Thomas Worthington High School, where she was a four-year varsity starter, scholar- athlete, team captain, Defensive MVP, and earned First Team All-OCC honors in 2021 and 2022. At Auburn University, where she graduated with degrees in Finance and Economics, Emily served as Vice President of the club lacrosse team. She earned All-Conference honors while helping lead a program that was consistently ranked among the top 15 club teams in the nation to a conference championship and its first-ever appearance in the WCLA National Championships. As a leader, Emily is excited to share her knowledge, passion, and experience with the next generation of players. She hopes to help young athletes grow their skills, build confidence, and most importantly, enjoy and love the game of lacrosse.

Mollie Estepp is from Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from Thomas Worthington High School in 2021. She went on to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Denver, where she helped the Pioneers reach the NCAA Final Four during her sophomore season and graduated with Honors in Socio-Legal Studies and International Studies. After completing her undergraduate degree, Mollie moved to England to pursue postgraduate studies in International Law at Durham University. While at Durham, she coached the women’s lacrosse team to a Final Four appearance in the British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) league. Mollie brings high-level playing experience, an international coaching perspective, and a deep love for the game. She is dedicated to developing confident, skilled athletes and fostering a lifelong passion for lacrosse.
 

Amanda Armstrong is a Columbus, Ohio native and a Lucky Lax alum. She attended Thomas Worthington High School, where she was a four-year starting varsity lacrosse player. Amanda continued her lacrosse career at the University of Cincinnati, competing for the club lacrosse team while earning her degree in Finance and Operations Management. Amanda is excited for the opportunity to give back to the program that meant so much to her growing up. She is passionate about helping young athletes build confidence, develop their lacrosse IQ, strengthen their fundamentals, and most importantly, have fun while creating lasting memories while playing the game they love.

Lilly Stelzer is a standout lacrosse player from Upper Arlington High School, where she was named team captain her senior year and earned both First Team All-Region and First Team All-State honors. During her senior season, she helped lead the Golden Bears to the 2023 State Championship, tying her teammate for the most points in the state’s championship game. Stelzer also had an impressive performance in the State Championship Game, contributing four goals and two assists. Over the course of her high school career, she scored 121 goals in just three seasons, with one season cut short by the pandemic. A three-year letter winner and scholar-athlete, Lilly’s leadership and skill set her apart. She is now continuing her lacrosse career as a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati. Lilly has a younger sister, Abigail Stelzer, who is currently a junior at Upper Arlington High School, and a High Point commit. Lilly is so excited to continue to ignite her passion for lacrosse as she shares her knowledge and experience with rising players. 

Clara Scott is a Worthington, OH native where she attended Thomas Worthington High School. At Thomas Worthington, she was a two-year varsity starter and three-year letter winner for lacrosse. She was a two-time captain, named Defensive MVP, and earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors. In addition to lacrosse, Clara was a varsity field hockey player and played a key role in helping her team secure both a regional and state championship. She now plays college lacrosse at Seton Hill University, where she is a starting defender. Clara has continued her passion for the game by coaching with Lucky Lax through Summer Camps, Summer Leagues, and as a floating coach, bringing strong energy and a genuine love for developing youth players. She also served on the Student Athlete Leadership Board, showcasing her commitment to leadership both on and off the field.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Angela began her lacrosse career in the 1st grade. From there her passion for lacrosse really shined, earning herself numerous athletic accolades at Dublin Scioto High School, the highest boasting All-District and All-Ohio. She continued her lacrosse career at Division II Indiana University of Pennsylvania setting records along the way as a starting freshman Goalie for her team. After earning all-conference awards she ultimately had to hang up her goalie gloves due to a career ending back injury. She returned to Ohio State University and graduated in 2019 with a Bachelors in Exercise Science and Nutrition. After completing her Masters in Public Health at George Washington University she has set her skills to providing equitable cancer care as a Cancer Researcher at Ohio State’s James Cancer Center. Between her Bachelors and Masters degrees, she completed her personal training certification to help expand her ability to help others. She most recently became an Assistant Coach for Westerville North High School, primarily focusing on the goalies and the strength and conditioning of the team. She is very much looking forward to joining the Lucky Lax crew!