Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Lacrosse Adds Hilker to Coaching Staff
9/8/2026 2:20:00 PM | Lacrosse
Former collegiate midfielder was a four-sport student-athlete at Haslett High School
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Maddie Dugan, head coach of the Eastern Michigan University lacrosse program, has announced the addition of Stephanie Hilker as an assistant coach with the Eagles for the 2026-27 academic year. Hilker, a former collegiate midfielder, has served as an assistant coach at two previous institutions and brings a wealth of knowledge to Ypsilanti.
"I am excited to welcome Steph to our staff this year," Dugan said. "She brings tremendous energy, a passion for the game, and a wealth of coaching knowledge that will have an immediate impact on our program. I'm especially excited to add another native Michigander to our staff as her pride in the state and understanding of the region will be a great asset to our program."
A native of Haslett, Mich., Hilker will work with the team's draw specialists.
"I'm so thankful to be a part of this amazing program that Coach Maddie has built," Hilker said. "I cannot wait to meet the girls and help them reach their potential."
Hilker, who currently works as a Manager in Cybersecurity for Domino's, most recently spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Ave Maria University (Ave Maria, Fla.), where she helped Gyrenes to the 2026 NAIA National Tournament, the program's first appearance in the postseason event. Working under her former teammate Katy Sherman, AMU earned an at-large selection and the No. 7 seed in the national tournament after advancing to the Sun Conference Tournament semifinals. During her time with the Gyrenes, the program produced nine NAIA All-American honors while Hannah Shaffrey was named the 2025 Sun Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Hilker served as an assistant coach at Assumption University, an NCAA Division II program in Worcester, Mass. A member of the staff for the Greyhounds' 2022 and 2023 campaigns, she helped the team to back-to-back appearances in the quarterfinals of the Northeast 10 Tournament as the team was ranked among the national top 25 both seasons.
After graduating from Haslett High School, where she competed for the school's lacrosse, golf, track and field, and freshman basketball teams, Hilker played for the Gyrenes for four seasons (2015-19) and served as a team captain during her junior and senior seasons. A midfielder by trade, she also answered the call to serve as an emergency goalkeeper in games as well. Throughout her career, she earned numerous athletic and academic awards, including the AMU Coaches Award and conference athlete of week awards while also serving as a member of the Honors program board.
Along with her stints in the collegiate coaching ranks, Hilker has also coached high school and club teams where she served as the head coach of Lansing Catholic High School and the head coach of Cyclones Lacrosse Club.
The Hilker File
Full Name: Stephanie Hilker
Hometown: Haslett, Mich.
High School: Haslett
College: Ave Maria University • English Literature, 2019
College: Assumption University • MBA, 2026
Coaching Experience
Year: Organization • Position • Notes
2026-pre: Eastern Michigan University • Assistant Coach
2024-26: Ave Maria University • Assistant Coach
2021-23: Assumption University • Assistant Coach
Follow Us
For all things EMU Lacrosse, be sure to check out the team's social media accounts, including EMU_Lacrosse on Twitter and EMU_Lacrosse on Instagram.
"I am excited to welcome Steph to our staff this year," Dugan said. "She brings tremendous energy, a passion for the game, and a wealth of coaching knowledge that will have an immediate impact on our program. I'm especially excited to add another native Michigander to our staff as her pride in the state and understanding of the region will be a great asset to our program."
A native of Haslett, Mich., Hilker will work with the team's draw specialists.
"I'm so thankful to be a part of this amazing program that Coach Maddie has built," Hilker said. "I cannot wait to meet the girls and help them reach their potential."
Hilker, who currently works as a Manager in Cybersecurity for Domino's, most recently spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, Ave Maria University (Ave Maria, Fla.), where she helped Gyrenes to the 2026 NAIA National Tournament, the program's first appearance in the postseason event. Working under her former teammate Katy Sherman, AMU earned an at-large selection and the No. 7 seed in the national tournament after advancing to the Sun Conference Tournament semifinals. During her time with the Gyrenes, the program produced nine NAIA All-American honors while Hannah Shaffrey was named the 2025 Sun Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Hilker served as an assistant coach at Assumption University, an NCAA Division II program in Worcester, Mass. A member of the staff for the Greyhounds' 2022 and 2023 campaigns, she helped the team to back-to-back appearances in the quarterfinals of the Northeast 10 Tournament as the team was ranked among the national top 25 both seasons.
After graduating from Haslett High School, where she competed for the school's lacrosse, golf, track and field, and freshman basketball teams, Hilker played for the Gyrenes for four seasons (2015-19) and served as a team captain during her junior and senior seasons. A midfielder by trade, she also answered the call to serve as an emergency goalkeeper in games as well. Throughout her career, she earned numerous athletic and academic awards, including the AMU Coaches Award and conference athlete of week awards while also serving as a member of the Honors program board.
Along with her stints in the collegiate coaching ranks, Hilker has also coached high school and club teams where she served as the head coach of Lansing Catholic High School and the head coach of Cyclones Lacrosse Club.
The Hilker File
Full Name: Stephanie Hilker
Hometown: Haslett, Mich.
High School: Haslett
College: Ave Maria University • English Literature, 2019
College: Assumption University • MBA, 2026
Coaching Experience
Year: Organization • Position • Notes
2026-pre: Eastern Michigan University • Assistant Coach
2024-26: Ave Maria University • Assistant Coach
2021-23: Assumption University • Assistant Coach
Follow Us
For all things EMU Lacrosse, be sure to check out the team's social media accounts, including EMU_Lacrosse on Twitter and EMU_Lacrosse on Instagram.
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