Ashley Hall continuing efforts to build solid lacrosse program

David Shelton • April 14, 2025

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By David Shelton

Senior Writer

Charleston – Lacrosse, as a sport, is growing slowly in popularity around the state of South Carolina.

In the Charleston area, growth and interest has increased in recent years with several programs winning state championships.

The growth of lacrosse is not quite as rapid in the SCISA ranks but the program at Ashley Hall is one that continues to improve and compete.

Olivia Vanderhoof is in her first season as the coach of the Panthers and has been pleased with the effort and attitude of the team this spring. She sees a nice mix of senior leadership and hungry young players.

“We have a lot of passionate seniors who have put in work to have a great last season,” the coach reports. “We have a good group of new players who are eager to learn the game and work hard to build the Ashley Hall program.”

The Panthers have experienced some success this spring, posting early wins over Academic Magnet and Trinity Collegiate. They also competed well in a one goal loss to AAAAA public school James Island Charter.

In terms of their play on the field, Ashley Hall’s top performers this season include senior Cissy O’Donnell, the team’s leading scorer, and sophomore Kate Murphy, another key scorer and solid on draws.

Joining O’Donnell and Murphy at the Attack position are senior Hannah Holcomb and freshman Anna Thome, a player to watch for the future.

In the midfield area, the usual starters are seniors Faye Bailey and Campbell Stryker, and sophomore Sally Rowson.

Playing as defenders are senior Sims Wadley, sophomore Georgia Newman, sophomore Caroline Copenhaver and senior Garland Mulvey.

The starting keeper has been sophomore Rheagan Miller.

Ashley Hall will be a part of the SCISA state playoffs but will have to contend with two state powers – Porter-Gaud and Heathwood Hall, who are the favorites. Porter-Gaud has won seven consecutive state championships and won their first 11 matches.

Nonetheless, Vanderhoof is excited for her team to learn from the opportunity, especially the underclassmen. And, she expects her seniors to go down with a fight as well.

“We expect to have competitive games with the teams left on our schedule and we are excited to see where things shake out for playoffs,” said Vanderhoof of her expectations for the remainder of the season.

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By David Shelton Senior Writer Charleston – First Baptist School has new leadership within its football program and athletic department for the coming 2025-26 school year. Kevin Mapp was hired as the new head football coach in the early spring and Jay Godbolt was hired as the new athletic director at the start of the summer. Mapp has extensive coaching experience on both the college and high school levels while also working in law enforcement. First Baptist is his first head coaching position. Mapp last coached defensive linemen at James Island Charter High and has had coaching stints at James Madison, Hampden-Sydney, Georgetown, Marshall, Missouri State and Coastal Carolina. Mapp graduated from James Madison and was a defensive lineman on the 2004 Division I-AAA (now FCS) national championship team. “Coaching has always been my passion,” Mapp said. “Ever since I was playing, I wanted to be a coach. I have always found a way to coach while working in law enforcement. I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunities to do both.” Mapp has been with the Charleston County police department for the last 10 years. He took some time away from coaching to start a family. “I felt like First Baptist was the perfect fit for me and my family,” Mapp says. “It’s a great opportunity at a great place. The kids here work hard and there is a lot of support from the administration. I’m excited to be the head football coach at First Baptist.” Mapp has hired coordinators on both sides of the ball. Will McCombs , once the head coach of the program, will call the offensive plays. Chris Hart comes over from James Island as the defensive coordinator. “Our numbers are improving and the kids are working hard,” Mapp said. “I feel like we can be a competitive team. It’s year one of the building process.” Godbolt has been a coach and athletic director in the Charleston area for nearly two decades. As the boys basketball coach at Charleston Collegiate, Godbolt coached three state championship teams. He also has been a coach and athletic director at Lowcountry Leadership Academy. Godbolt has more than 450 career victories as a head basketball coach. Current First Baptist basketball coach Antoine Saunders was Godbolt’s assistant at Charleston Collegiate.