WINTER PARK, Fla. (April 14, 2025) – For the first time in program history, Rollins women's lacrosse will have a new head coach. At the conclusion of the 2025 season, his 18th at the helm, Dennis Short has announced he will be retiring. Associate Head Coach Tom Kienle, who has also been with the program since its inception, will step into the role of Interim Head Coach.
"Coach Short has been the face of women's lacrosse since the inception of the program," said Rollins Associate Vice President of Athletics, Pennie Parker. "He built successful teams that serve as the foundation of our program today. We will miss Coach Short, but wish him all the best in this new chapter of his journey."
Short has been the leader of Rollins women's lacrosse since its first year in 2008. In his 18 years at the helm, he has built one of the most successful programs across all of Division II. In his time at Rollins, Short has produced 27 IWLCA All-Americans, 45 IWLCA All-Region players, 52 All-SSC selections, one IWLCA Defender of the Year, four IWLCA South Region Players of the Year, and two Final Four appearances. He was named the 2015 SSC Coach of the Year and led the Tars to become the first SSC Champions in the tournament held in 2015.
In his career, Short has compiled a record of 225 wins and 122 losses, which includes a 204-76 mark in his 18 years at Rollins. His 225 wins at the Division II level rank him fifth among active Division II coaches, while his .648 career winning percentage is ninth-best among active Division II coaches.
The two-time Inside Lacrosse Coach of the Year successfully led the inaugural team in 2008 through a series of firsts, writing history along the way for the program, school, and state of Florida as Rollins became the first collegiate institution in the state to offer both varsity men's and women's lacrosse. In 2009, Short continued to produce success as he introduced a team that exploded into the national rankings and finished with an overall record of 12-3, narrowly missing out on a bid to a post-season appearance. Rollins made its first NCAA semifinal appearance in 2012, then followed that with another semifinal run in 2013. The Tars' success continued with NCAA tournament berths in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2023.
Kienle was the first assistant coach in program history, joining the coaching staff in 2008 prior to the first season of play. He was named the IWLCA Division II Assistant Coach of the Year in 2009-10 and again in 2011-12, helping every step of the way as the Tars quickly ascended from a new team to one of the premier lacrosse programs in all of Division II.
Parker added, "Tom has been an integral part of the success of our program. I know Rollins lacrosse is in good hands moving forward, and under TK's guidance, we will continue to thrive."
Short's final regular season game as the head coach of the Tars will be tomorrow, April 15th, as he leads Rollins in a matchup at No. 10 Saint Leo at 7 p.m.
