Building Culture That Lasts: Veteran Lacrosse Program Launchers Mindy and Paul McCord
When Mindy and Paul McCord set out to launch the University of South Florida Women’s Lacrosse program, they came to Tampa with decades of coaching experience, a track record of success starting programs and myriad accolades. They also brought a family-first philosophy that has shaped every team they’ve led and from which growth and achievement have followed.
For the McCords, lacrosse is not just a game but a platform to build strong, values-driven women who excel both on and off the field.
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“Our culture begins with family,” says head coach Mindy McCord, who has over 34 years of coaching experience and a passion for mentorship. “We’re not just coaching athletes; we’re partnering with families to create transformational relationships that last a lifetime.”
Whether helping players achieve their athletic dreams or guiding them toward careers and relationships that reflect their core values and positively impact their communities, a commitment to values and process is at the heart of their success.
Their own daughter, Taylor, is a testament to this approach. A former college lacrosse player, Taylor now thrives as a construction project manager, applying the same teamwork, consistency and communication skills she learned under her parents' guidance into her workforce.
Current USF women’s lacrosse associate head coach Brittney Orashen meshed so well with the McCord culture while playing under Mindy at Jacksonville University (2011-15), that she transitioned into her own coaching path upon graduation.
Assistant coach Sharn Muffett followed the same path following her playing career under Mindy at JU (2017-21), transitioning to coaching and joining the USF staff in 2023.
The McCords emphasize process over outcomes and focus on servant leadership as they develop players. “We don’t see sports as a transaction,” Paul McCord explains. “It’s about sharing God’s love through togetherness, commitment and high performance in all areas of life.”
Mindy McCord’s legacy extends beyond wins and titles, though she has achieved plenty of those, winning 10 conference titles, earning eight NCAA tournament appearances and boasting a career record of 240-118 (.670). It’s about building a sense of community.
The pair invites parents, grandparents and kids to attend USF Women’s Lacrosse games, not just as spectators but as part of the family.
“We want our program to be a bridge between players, families and the community,” Mindy says. “When you come to a game, you’re stepping into something bigger – a culture of family, love and trust.”
The inaugural USF staff have been building their culture, roster and readiness for their first campaign since Mindy accepted the USF position on May 31, 2022.
As they prepare to begin their official competition, the USF team has built a strong bond and culture through workouts and exhibition games, weekly Fellowship of Christian Athlete meetings, team outings to amusement and water parks, holiday parties, community engagement and special leadership training sessions.
USF Lacrosse debut on Feb. 7 against Kennesaw State is history-making for the McCords and the Bulls – not just for the wins, but for the lives and community they will positively impact.
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*Presented by USF Athletics | Originally published in the February 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.