Tempest Lacrosse
GIRL OVER GAME
Tempest Lacrosse was founded in 2019 to provide top-tier lacrosse training and elite travel team opportunities for girls in Ohio. As a women-owned and women-operated program, our mission is simple - give back to the game. We do this by investing in each athlete to help them reach their full potential on and off the lacrosse field.
Tempest Lacrosse aims to teach, mentor and coach our athletes as they develop throughout our program. We recognize that each athlete is different and focus on tailoring our coaching methods to each athlete's individual needs.
We strive to develop lacrosse players that show the dedication, focus and drive to improve their game for higher level of pay. While we are committed to providing the coaching and curriculum that will help our athletes and teams continue to develop, our focus of girl over game remains. This philosophy centers our approach and keeps our focus on developing strong, empowered young women throughout our program, giving our athletes life skills that will stay with them through the next chapters of their lives.
Meet the Founders
Maggie Pope
Maggie grew up playing lacrosse in the hotbed of the sport - Baltimore, Maryland. An Ellicott City native, Maggie played at Centennial High School and went on to have a standout career at Philadelphia University (D2). She has a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design and a Master's degree in Public Health.
Maggie has coached lacrosse at different levels for multiple years. In addition to club, she also coached the Under Armor National Midwest All-American team from 2015-2017 and in 2021.
When she is not coaching lacrosse, Maggie directs Real Estate & Property Management for a local healthcare system. She lives in Westerville with her husband Chris, children Evelyn & Archie, and two dogs Beckett & Bella.
Kaela Springhetti
Kaela is a product of Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Bishop Hartley High School. She attended the University of Mount Union and became a member of the inaugural team. Kaela helped lead Mount Union to three conference championships and three NCAA appearances.
Kaela was the Assistant Coach at Capital University from 2021-2023 and currently is the Head Coach at New Albany High School.
She lives in Canal Winchester with her husband Blake and dog Birdie.
Megan Oracewski
Megan is a Long Island native, graduating from Massapequa High School where she helped lead her team to three Nassau County Championships. Megan continued her athletic adventure at LIU Post (formerly CW Post) where she helped the team to three ECC Championships and tow D2 National Championships.
Megan has a Bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education and has a Master's degree in Sports Management and Athletic Administration.
Megan began coaching at the high school level in 2014 and has coached at the club level since 2010.
Megan currently teaches Health & Physical Education at Olentangy Liberty Middle School. She lives in Delaware with her wife Ashley and her dogs Albie & Rosie.
Team Tempest Coaches
Coach Elaina
A Tempest alumni Coach Elaina currently plays for The University of Findlay as a Defender, and attended Olentangy Berlin high school. Elaina operates as a defensive coach for Tempest and is in her 3rd year currently coaching our youngest team.
"My goal as a coach is to empower young confident women on and off the field. These are the practices, games, and moments that will create the foundations for a lifetime. These are the moments that create your'e why, find it, own it and earn it everyday."
Coach Audrey
Coach Audrey is a 4th year coach with Tempest lacrosse, currently playing at Furman University as a Defensive Midfielder and attended IMG Academy. Coach Audrey operates currently as a coach for the 26/27 HS team.
"I coach lacrosse the way it should be played. Through a combination of game IQ, creativity, and love of the game my goal is to inspire and encourage players to reach there full potential"
Coach Lexi
Lexi is currently in her 3rd year at Tempest Lacrosse and works with our 26/27 HS team. She also coaches at New Albany High School as the head JV coach. Lexi played collegiately at the college of Charleston.
Coach Gemma
Coach Gemma is in her 3rd year coaching for Tempest lacrosse, currently working with the Rise division and 30/31 team. Gemma attended Saint Francis DeSales and plays at Slippery Rock University as a Defender.
"My coaching philosophy is to help young girls overcome challenges, while supporting their teammates around them. I prioritize showing them girl over game."
Coach Libby
Coach Libby is in her 3rd year with Tempest lacrosse as an offensive coach for the 28/29's. Libby attends University of Detroit Mercy as an attacker, and previously attended Olentangy Berlin.
"My goal is to give back to the sport that has done so much for me. Playing lacrosse growing up has taught me a lot and I want the same for all the girls I coach. Lacrosse is more than a sport, and I want girls to understand that."
Coach Liz
Coach Liz is in her first year coaching for Tempest Lacrosse and works with our 2030 team. She is also the New Albany Middle School head coach and assists with the Westerville lacrosse club. Liz played in goal for Ohio Wesleyan University and Olentangy Liberty High School.
"My coaching philosophy is centered on developing the complete individual, beyond their skill as a player. Lacrosse is my passion and playing with a supportive team is an unmatched experience, but it only represents a piece of us. I strive to foster the essential values of respect, integrity, and responsibility as they are qualities not only crucial for a player's success as an athlete but in all aspects of their life"
Coach Emily
Bio coming soon!
Coach Lizzy
Coach Lizzy is in her first year coaching at Tempest and works with our 2030 team. Previously playing for Olentangy Berlin we are happy to welcome Lizzy to the team.
"My coaching philosophy is simple - developing the whole athlete, physically, mentally, and emotionally - in a positive, disciplined, and inclusive environment. While winning matters, I prioritize growth, teamwork, and character to help athletes become their best both on and off the field."
Coach Ali
Coach Ali is in her 2nd season with Tempest Lacrosse working with all program goalies. Ali plays for Walsh University as a goalie, and attended Olentangy Berlin high school.
"I want them to have fun while they're playing, and enjoy every second of it. I want players to learn to control what you control and put your best effort forth."