NEWBERG, Ore. -- Jordyn Merkel has stepped down after two seasons as head coach of the George Fox women's lacrosse program.

Coming to the university after starting up the Wisconsin-Stout women's lacrosse program, Merkel inherited one of the dominant programs of the Northwest Conference in the fall of 2024 and continued to lead the Bruins to success in her two-year stint in Newberg. Under her stewardship, the Bruins extended their conference win streak to 91 games (and counting), and took home two NWC titles thanks to a pair of undefeated seasons in NWC play.

"Taking over a highly successful program and following a beloved coaching figure is one of the most daunting challenges in all of sports," George Fox Athletic Director Adam Puckett said, "Jordyn stepped into that high-pressure environment with immense courage and a relentless work ethic. Over the past two seasons, she navigated an incredibly difficult transition and maintained our program's championship standard, leading the team to two undefeated conference titles and historic milestones. We are grateful for the competitive drive she brought to the Bruins, the record-breaking success our athletes achieved under her leadership, and her dedication to George Fox athletics. We wish her the very best in her next chapter."

Several records were set by the Bruins in Merkel's two seasons; the team recorded its largest win in program history in 2025, scoring a program-record 25 goals in a 25-0 win over Pacific. In 2026, the Bruins conceded just 143 goals, the lowest in five seasons. 

Lana Davis, meanwhile, set program records in career points (356) en route to the school's first-ever NWC Offensive Player of the Year. Ava Bluhm also ended her time in Fox with several records, breaking marks in career goals (233) and career shots on goal (366). Both players earned an IWLCA All-Region nod in 2025, with Davis being named All-Region in 2026.

In addition, three athletes became the first GFU women's lacrosse players to be named to the CSC Academic All-District team: Davis, Claire Abraham, and Sasha Thayer. Merkel will exit with a 28-9 record while at Fox, including a perfect 16-0 mark in NWC play.

A search for the next coach of the George Fox women's lacrosse program will begin immediately.