Lauren Thraves was named assistant coach of the lacrosse program prior to the start of the 2021 season.
Thraves comes to Sweet Briar as having served as head coach at Albemarle High School, Charlottesville High School, and the Covenant School. She most recently served as assistant coach at Western Albemarle High School. During time at both Albemarle and Western Albemarle, Thraves saw numerous student-athletes go on to play collegiate level lacrosse; including two USA Lacrosse High School All-Americans and four selected for the US All-Academic Team, and three named to All-Conference and All-State teams.
Thraves helped to lead Western Albemarle to the Class 4 Virginia State Finals in 2022. Thraves also coached the Mid-Atlantic/Virginia teams at the USA Lacrosse High School Girls National Tournament from 2017-2022. During the years of 2017-2019, Thraves was selected to coach the Highlight teams for the DC/Maryland/Virginia region at the Under Armour All-America Games. The UA All-America Games is where Morris and Thraves met and began coaching together. From 2015-2018 Thraves led Albemarle High School to two Conference Championships, one Region Championship and three Final Four State Tournament appearances. Thraves was named Conference 16 Coach of the year and Region 5A Coach of the Year in 2016. While at Charlottesville High School (2009-2013), Thraves made one Region tournament appearance and received Jefferson District Coach of the Year in 2013. Throughout these years, Thraves has had over 30 student-athletes continue playing lacrosse at the collegiate level.
Additionally, Thraves has been a part of several lacrosse club teams in central Virginia from 2009-2019, serving as Head Coach for Cav Lax and Cavalier Lacrosse Club, and assistant coach for Miller Lacrosse Club, CV Lax, and Blue Ridge Lacrosse Club. She has also served as a high school basketball, field hockey, and volleyball coach.
In 2008, Thraves first joined the college coaching ranks at Mercyhurst North East as assistant coach in the NJCAA. Prior to serving at Mercyhurst North East, Thraves was a two year starter at Division II (Currently Division I) Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. She served as captain in the 2007 season. Thraves was selected to represent the United States with the International Sports Tours Team at the 2006 Prague Cup. In the 2004-2005 seasons, Thraves was a two year starter for Bridgewater College, and was leading scorer in 2005. Thraves also played basketball for the Bridgewater Eagles.
Lauren Thraves (formerly Smith) is from Charlottesville, Virginia where she attended The Covenant School. Thraves was a five year Varsity starter and was selected Honorable Mention All-LIS (2000), Second Team All-LIS (2001), and First Team All- LIS in 2002 and 2003. Thraves was team captain in 2002-2003. Thraves also played, and captained, basketball for the Covenant Eagles. She was recruited to play both lacrosse and basketball for Bridgewater College.
Thraves graduated from Mercyhurst University in 2008 with a B.A in Earth and Space Science Education while also receiving a minor in Geology. Thraves currently works as a Special Education Teacher at Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, Virgina. She resides with her son, Trip (12), who has been on the sidelines with mom since he was 2 weeks old.
