Fort Lewis College has replaced women’s lacrosse head coach Ariannah Ritter and promoted a familiar face for Skyhawks women’s lacrosse fans.
JoJo Lutz was announced as the new FLC women’s lacrosse head coach on Tuesday by the FLC Athletic Department. Lutz, an assistant coach for last year’s team, becomes the third Skyhawks women’s lacrosse head coach in three years.
“I'm thrilled,” Lutz said. “This has always been a dream of mine, to not only assist at my school that I played at, but also to now be the head coach is a dream come true.”
Lutz took over for Ariannah Ritter, who coached the Skyhawks for one season. FLC went 1-15 overall and 0-10 in the RMAC in the 2025 season under Ritter.
Ritter resigned from the position in late April to pursue opportunities closer to her home area of Kansas City, according to FLC Director of Athletics Travis Whipple. Ritter couldn’t be reached for comment.
Lutz said before the public announcement, Whipple brought her into the room where the team was and announced that Lutz would be the next head coach. She said the team’s reaction was one of the most heartwarming things she’s ever been a part of.
“Our process was efficient and timing is always important while ensuring the right fit,” Whipple said. “Coach Lutz is well respected by our current and future Skyhawks. She has been a key part of our department and is excited to elevate the program in the conference, regionally and beyond.”
Lutz played defense for the Skyhawks from 2020-2024 and played in 53 games. She was a two-time All-RMAC Honorable Mention and finished sixth in program history in caused turnovers and eighth in program history in ground balls.
The Beaverton, Oregon, native prides herself on her IQ as a player. She wants to teach her players about all positions on the field, not just the one they’re playing.
Lutz considers herself a community-driven coach and wants her team to continue their high hours of volunteering in the community. She wants her team to continue to grow the game locally and for the community to have the love for the FLC women’s lacrosse program that she has.
While Lutz has been elevated to head coach, she is still trying to find the right fit for an assistant coach. She wants someone with experience playing offense at the college level to balance her defensive-focused background.
The Skyhawks program has struggled in recent years with 2017 being the last year FLC finished a full season with a winning record.
Whipple said the athletic department is leaning into its strategic plan with a number of facility projects. FLC has moved to free admission for lacrosse games to better promote the sport in the area and hopes to generate more resources for scholarships and program enhancements.
Lutz said her passion for her team will show with raising money for the team and doing anything to help her amazing players.
“Having that firsthand experience of playing and coaching in it, I fully understand the RMAC and know what to expect,” Lutz said. “I won't be surprised when I go against these other opponents who are in RMAC. I'm very driven and motivated to make Skyhawks lacrosse the best. This is a team that is where I come from … I have that passion for Durango and Fort Lewis that I want to be very well represented.”
bkelly@durangoherald.com
