Carolyn Thistlewaite

Biography

As a graduate student in 2025, Carolyn Thistlewaite capped off her career as a standout defender for James Madison University, earning Second Team All-American Athletic Conference honors. She started all 19 games, ranking second on the team with 26 ground balls and adding 14 caused turnovers, including seven games with multiple ground balls and four with multiple caused turnovers. A consistent academic achiever, she was named to the JMU Athletic Director’s Scholar-Athlete List in both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. When faced with a major injury missing the 2024 season, she remained deeply engaged with her team by supporting operations and contributing to strategy, earning recognition as JMU Comeback Athlete of the Year. Professionally, she has supported club lacrosse operations, NCAA game-day logistics, and athlete development, managing schedules for more than 250 athletes and 40 coaches while ensuring smooth and efficient game-day experiences. Thistlewaite has held the head coaching position at Dynasty Elite Lacrosse Club for six years, training 18-23 high school athletes on defensive strategies. A native of New Hope-Solebury High School, she was the program’s all-time leading scorer with 194 goals, a Bicentennial Athletic League MVP, and a 2019 U.S. Lacrosse U-17 Development Team member. A two-sport athlete, she also excelled in field hockey, earning multiple All-League honors and captaining both teams. Off the field, she has demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership