OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University Director of Athletics, Janet Eaton-Smith, is pleased to announce that Kyle Beard, current head coach of the women's lacrosse program at OU, will now also lead the men's lacrosse program.

"I'm pleased to share that Coach Beard will now oversee both of our lacrosse programs," said Eaton-Smith. "The decision to merge the two has proven to be a successful model for OUKS sports, and I fully expect this to be no different. Kyle is an outstanding individual both on and off the field, and his deep expertise in the lacrosse world positions him perfectly to help revitalize our men's program and return it to national prominence. He'll be supported by Carter Genzen, a strong recruiting coordinator, and together these two alums bring a wealth of passion and experience to the table. We're excited for what's ahead and optimistic about a strong spring season."

Beard has served as the head coach of the Ottawa University women's lacrosse team for the past four seasons, accumulating an overall coaching record of 23-22 and a conference record of 12-4. Under his leadership, the Braves have seen significant individual and team success, including two Conference Players of the Year and 21 All-Conference selections. In his first season in the Heart, Beard led the women's lacrosse team to a third-place finish in the Heart Tournament Semifinals.

"I am incredibly excited to take on the role of head men's and women's lacrosse coach at Ottawa University," said Beard. "I want to thank the administration for this opportunity to lead both programs forward. I'm proud of the success the women's program has achieved over the past three years, and I look forward to the challenge of building the men's program back to national prominence. The future is bright for Ottawa University lacrosse, and I'm excited to lead us there!"

Before assuming the role of head coach for the women's program, Beard spent three years as an assistant coach for the men's lacrosse team, where he helped guide the Braves to a 24-21 record and a KCAC Championship in 2019. During that time, he coached nine First Team All-KCAC selections and three NAIA Second Team All-Americans. Beard's experience as an assistant coach, paired with his impressive playing career, has given him invaluable insight into the game.

As a player, Beard was a two-time Second Team All-KCAC selection as a defender for the Braves in 2015 and 2016. In his two-year playing career, he appeared in 26 games, scooping up 55 ground balls and causing 30 turnovers. Following his playing career, Beard served as a student assistant during the 2017 season before transitioning into a graduate assistant role for the next two seasons.

Beard is an alum of Ottawa University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Studies in 2018. He later completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ottawa University in 2020.