DUDLEY, Mass. (9/2/2026) – The Nichols College Division of Athletics and Director of Athletics Kristan Mallet has announced the hiring of Sierra Cardenas as the 11^th head coach of the women's lacrosse program.

Cardenas brings four years of coaching experience at the high school, collegiate, and club levels to Nichols, including her current roles as the head girls' lacrosse coach at Seekonk High School and assistant women's lacrosse coach at Johnson & Wales University. She also serves as the girls' program coordinator for the Rhode Island Bulldogs.

"Sierra stood out throughout the search for her ability to connect, inspire, and articulate an exciting vision for Nichols women's lacrosse", said Mallet. "She understands that building a successful college program begins with meaningful relationships, a strong team identity, and a commitment to the complete student-athlete experience. We are excited for Sierra to begin this next chapter and continue shaping a program that our student-athletes, alumnae, and campus community are very proud to support."

Cardenas has served as Seekonk's head girls' lacrosse coach since January 2026, where she is responsible for developing offensive and defensive plans, overseeing varsity and junior varsity skill development, managing team budgets and fundraising, and supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. During her first season, she helped produce a 118-percent increase in wins. Meanwhile, at Johnson & Wales, Cardenas has served as an assistant women's lacrosse coach since August 2024, and assisted with individual and team strategies, recruiting, in-season and offseason training programs, and team logistics. She also works to support the development and success of student-athletes beyond their collegiate careers.

Cardenas joined the Rhode Island Bulldogs in January 2024 as the club's girls' program coordinator. She oversees program logistics, including tournaments, practices, field space, coaching staff and practice plans, while also working with local youth organizations to provide coaching opportunities and promote program growth.

Prior to Johnson & Wales, Cardenas served as an assistant women's lacrosse coach at Dean College from September 2023 through August 2024. She created and implemented defensive practice plans, conducted individual skills sessions, assisted with offensive player development, managed team logistics and supported recruiting efforts.

I am beyond excited for the opportunity to lead the Nichols College Women's Lacrosse program", said Cardenas. "I truly believe this is a place where we can build something special, and I am eager to bring my passion for the game, my energy, and my commitment to player development to Nichols. I believe there is so much potential within this program, and I am excited to build a culture where our student-athletes believe in themselves, believe in each other, and compete with purpose every single day. My goal is to create a program that our players are proud to be a part of and that the entire Nichols community can rally behind. I cannot wait to get to work and see what we can accomplish together!"

Cardenas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Dean College in 2023 after earning an Associate of Science degree in Athletic Training from Dean in 2021. She is also certified in American Red Cross CPR, AED and First Aid.