Kayla Wood

Biography

Former Tar Heel standout Kayla Wood returned to Chapel Hill to join the North Carolina women’s lacrosse coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season. Wood joined in a temporary position for the 2025 season before being added to the permanent staff in June of 2025. She primarily works with UNC’s defensive unit. During her first season on staff, North Carolina won the National Championship after going undefeated with a record of 22-0, while going 9-0 in ACC play. The Heels claimed the Regular Season and ACC Tournament Championships. With Wood guiding the defense, UNC led the country in scoring defense (6.9 goals per game), total goals allowed for anyone that played more than 15 games (151) and scoring margin (10.6 gpg). The Heels also ranked third nationally in save percentage (.508) and Betty Nelson topped the goals-against-average list at 7.37. Wood mentored six players to All-America honors, including first-team recognition for Sam Forrest and Brooklyn Walker-Welch, and Forrest was tabbed the IWLCA Defender of the Year. Prior to coming back to Chapel Hill, Wood was an assistant coach at Princeton during the 2023-24 season. The Tigers recorded five top-25 wins and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Second Round. She also helped produce five All-Ivy League selections and the Ivy League Goalkeeper of the Year. In Spring 2023, Wood was head coach of the Issaquah High School girls lacrosse team in Seattle. She guided the team to a 10-4-1 overall record and a berth in the state semifinals