England Lacrosse are delighted to announce Westonbirt School Headmistress and former England under-21 player, Natasha Dangerfield, as the new England Lacrosse President.
Natasha, who has been Headmistress at Westonbirt since 2013, will take up her new role today, taking over from out-going President, Sue Livock.
Beginning her career as a P.E. teacher at Downe House, Natasha progressed through a variety of roles at prominent independent schools, gaining significant experience in teaching, pastoral care and leadership.
In the years preceding her headship, Natasha enjoyed success as Head of P.E. at North Foreland Lodge, Director of Pastoral Care at Gordonstoun and Deputy Headmistress at Harrogate Ladies.
A passionate sports-woman, Natasha started playing lacrosse at 11-years-old and went on to represent her county, the Midlands region and ultimately England at under-21 level.
She coached at county level for Berkshire and Yorkshire and admits she often planned her teaching posts around her enthusiasm for the sport!
Over the years, Natasha has enjoyed working with England Lacrosse in a variety of capacities, including chairing the National Events Committee, running the clubs and colleges tournament and managing the under-19 England team for two consecutive World Cups.
Upon her appointment, Natasha said she feels honoured to have been offered this exciting new role.
“As a passionate advocate of school lacrosse, I feel extremely privileged to take on this role. England Lacrosse is a great organisation and one that has been part of my life as a player, a coach, an educator and now also as a mother with a keen lacrosse-playing daughter!
“I hope that I can continue to support the excellent work the Board undertakes already; the very good work the out-going President, Sue Livock undertook and most importantly to work as an association to develop the players, who we must ensure have a firm foundation and framework to play from, through and excel within.”
England Lacrosse CEO, Mark Coups, remarked how brilliant it is to have someone of Natasha’s background, capability, and knowledge taking on the role of EL President.
"I am delighted that Natasha has been appointed as our new President as we look forward to one of the most important years for lacrosse as we seek to recover from the restrictions of COVID-19.
“To have someone like Natasha to follow our out-going President Sue Livock, who has done so much for lacrosse during her tenure, is fantastic for the sport, the Board and the leadership team.
“We are all looking forward to working with her over the coming months and using her skills to help us with the tasks ahead.
“We hope that you will all be able to meet Natasha in her new role as events open up and lacrosse starts to be played again."
Out-going President, Sue Livock, who has been in the role for almost six years, said it has been an honour to have held the role of EL President and it is something of which she is really proud.
“During my time as President, I have truly enjoyed myself and hopefully I have helped to promote a positive image for the game and to be supportive of staff and volunteers.
“Of course, I am very pleased to be handing the role over to Natasha as its always good to bring new blood into the organisation and I am really confident that the game continues to be led by such a dedicated and skilful group of Board members and an exceptionally dedicated and hard working team of staff.
“If I had to give Natasha one piece of advice, it would be to bring your own style to the role! Whilst being a figure head for England Lacrosse, and promoting and supporting the organisation as a whole, you can also make your own mark according to your interests and the time available.”