BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Phil Schuman has been named head coach of Campbell University's new women's lacrosse program, director of athletics Bob Roller announced Tuesday. 

Schuman joins the Fighting Camel staff from High Point University, where he served as assistant coach.  He was head coach at Methodist University from 2010-11.

Last April, the Campbell University Board of Trustees voted on and approved the addition of the 21st sport in CU's Division I athletics program.  Schuman will spend the 2011-12 academic year recruiting student-athletes and preparing for the program's first varsity season in the spring of 2013. 

"The addition of women's lacrosse to the Campbell campus becomes very real today as we have selected Phil Schuman to lead this new program," said Roller.  "Phil has been involved with lacrosse his entire life and has the knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm that we need to recruit our first incoming class and prepare them for our inaugural 2013 season."

Schuman led Methodist to a 4-10 record, including a 3-4 USA South Athletic Conference mark, in his only season as head coach. The Monarchs had two players named to the All-Conference first team – midfielder Jasmine Stephens and defender Ashlea Weems.

Prior to Methodist, Schuman spent two years as an assistant coach of the women's lacrosse team at his alma mater, Washington College in Maryland. He was involved in all aspects of the program, served as recruiting coordinator and coached the team's defense and goalkeepers.

"I am blessed to be given this opportunity at Campbell University and am excited about the future of lacrosse at CU," said Schuman.  "What a great opportunity for prospective student-athletes to put their mark on a new program!"

Schuman was a goalie for the Washington College men's lacrosse team and helped lead the Shoremen to a pair of Centennial Conference title matches. The team was nationally ranked and made two NCAA Tournament appearances during Schuman's tenure. 

He was an All-State goalie for Kent Island High School and was a finalist for the C.M. Kelly Award as the state of Maryland's most outstanding high school player in 2003.

Schuman earned his undergraduate degree in 2007 and his master's degree in 2010 from Washington College, both in history. He earned his secondary education certification and previously worked as a high school teacher.

"I would like to thank both Lyndsey Boswell and Craig Keilitz at High Point University for their support and guidance. I couldn't be more excited to work for and learn from Bob Roller at Campbell and alongside the rest of the athletic department at CU." 

Campbell is the sixth Big South Conference member to field the sport for the 2013 season, joining current members High Point, Liberty and Presbyterian, plus Coastal Carolina and Winthrop – both of which have announced 2013 starting dates.  In addition, Davidson College will compete as an associate member in women's lacrosse.

With seven initial members, the Big South is immediately eligible to apply for an automatic bid to the NCAA Women's Lacrosse Championship, beginning with the 2013 season.  The Big South is in the process of determining scheduling, championship format and award recognitions, among others, leading up to the inaugural 2013 campaign.