Natalie Wills Obituary – Former Vanderbilt Lacrosse Standout and USA Lacrosse Leader Dies at 36 After Courageous Cancer Battle

The lacrosse community is mourning the loss of Natalie Wills, a former standout goalkeeper at Vanderbilt University, accomplished coach, and respected leader with USA Lacrosse, who died on June 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. She was 36 years old. Wills passed away at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family after an inspiring fight against the disease that touched countless lives both on and off the field.

Born and raised on Kent Island, Maryland, Natalie developed a passion for sports and animals from a young age. Although she participated in soccer, softball, and lacrosse as a child, it was lacrosse that ultimately became her life’s calling. According to her father, Jim Wills, Natalie became a goalkeeper almost by chance when a youth coach asked for a volunteer to play in goal. She immediately fell in love with the position and never looked back, embarking on a journey that would make her one of the sport’s most respected players and coaches.

Natalie attended St. Mary’s High School, where she established herself as one of Maryland’s top lacrosse players before earning a scholarship to Vanderbilt University. She graduated in 2012 after a distinguished collegiate career as a four-year starting goalkeeper. During her time with the Commodores, she recorded 426 career saves and helped lead Vanderbilt to victories over nationally ranked programs, including Duke, Stanford, Boston College, and Johns Hopkins. Her dedication both on the field and in the classroom earned her recognition as a three-time SEC Academic honoree.

Following graduation, Wills transitioned seamlessly into coaching. She began her coaching career at Boston University before joining the University of Maryland, where she served as an assistant coach during the Terrapins’ 2015 NCAA National Championship season. Her knowledge of the game, positive attitude, and ability to encourage young athletes quickly earned her widespread admiration throughout the lacrosse community.

Natalie’s influence expanded even further when she joined USA Lacrosse. There, she played a pivotal role in creating and launching the organization’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) in 2019, helping identify and develop future elite players across the country. Colleagues praised her exceptional organizational skills, leadership, and unwavering commitment to growing the sport at every level. Later, while continuing to battle cancer, she also served as an assistant coach at McDonogh School in Maryland, where players remembered her as a constant source of encouragement and positivity.

Natalie’s battle with cancer began in 2022, when she discovered a lump in her breast on Father’s Day. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer on July 1 of that year and underwent surgery, followed by 20 weeks of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation. By mid-2023, doctors declared her cancer-free. Sadly, the disease returned in 2024 as stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, spreading to her bones, lungs, and brain. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Natalie remained remarkably optimistic, continuing to coach, mentor athletes, and inspire everyone around her with her resilience and infectious smile.

Throughout her illness, the lacrosse community rallied around Natalie. In 2025, coaches from Maryland’s Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) organized the “Light the Fight” fundraising clinic to help support her treatment and raise money for cancer research. The event reflected the profound respect and affection so many people had for Natalie, whose influence extended far beyond wins and losses. Friends consistently described her as someone who celebrated the success of others, lifted spirits during difficult times, and brought unmatched energy wherever she went.

Natalie is survived by her parents, Jim and Florence “Bucky” Wills, her sister Laura Wills, extended family members, and her beloved golden retriever, Sunny. Visitation and a celebration of her life were scheduled in Chester, Maryland, where family members requested attendees wear a touch of color a fitting tribute to a woman remembered for bringing light and joy into the lives of everyone she met.

Though her life ended far too soon, Natalie Wills leaves behind an enduring legacy of excellence, compassion, and perseverance. Through her achievements as a player, coach, mentor, and leader, she shaped the future of women’s lacrosse while inspiring countless athletes to pursue greatness with humility, kindness, and courage. Her impact on the game and on those fortunate enough to know her will continue to be felt for generations.