Gary Cope, who helped originate girls lacrosse at Lockport High School, has been named head women's coach for the Chaparrals.

Both men's and women's lacrosse will be added in 2023-24, bringing the total number of athletic programs available to 21.
 
"The ability to build a program from the ground-up is what interested me from the beginning at COD,'' said Cope, who is on staff at Lockport HS as a para-professional in special education. "I want to lean on my experience from Lockport. It's an honor to be a part of the Midwest's first community college lacrosse program.''
 
"As the greater Chicago area develops an appetite for women's lacrosse, College of DuPage will be the first community college in the Midwest to offer the sport,'' said director of athletics and recreation Ryan Kaiser. "It will provide District 502 students a different option for a great education and an opportunity to play the sport they love.
 
"Gary's passion for women's lacrosse stood out during the interview process. He developed Lockport's program from its infancy to its coveted status as a powerhouse program in the area. He has the ability to relate to his players and has a keen sense of connectedness with current and former players.''
 
There are nearly 20 DuPage County high schools and nearly 80 within Chicagoland that play the sport.
 
Lockport was led last season by the 2022 USA Today National Player of the Year Fran Frieri. The Notre Dame signee scored 200 goals for the year, an achievement no other scholastic player in the sport, male or female, has ever accomplished.
 
Lockport finished the regular season 22-0 before losing in the state playoffs.
 
For those who are interested in attending COD and playing women's lacrosse, please click on the link for an athletic questionnaire.