Natalie Wills Obituary, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND — Natalie Wills, a respected lacrosse coach, former collegiate athlete, and USA Lacrosse contributor, has died at the age of 36 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She passed away on Friday at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Wills was widely recognized for her exceptional talent and leadership in lacrosse from an early age. A member of St. Mary’s Class of 2008 and the school’s 13 Year Club, she earned MVP honors during her high school career before going on to become a four-year starter at Vanderbilt University. During her time on campus, she was also deeply involved in student life, serving as president of COSA in her senior year.
Following her collegiate playing career, Wills dedicated her professional life to growing the sport she loved. She served in coaching roles at Boston University and the University of Maryland and contributed to USA Lacrosse’s National Team Development Program. At the club and school level, she continued shaping young athletes most recently at McDonogh School, where she was known as a passionate mentor and role model.
Colleagues and players described Wills as the ultimate teammate—warm, encouraging, and unwaveringly supportive. Her leadership extended beyond coaching as she also served as a board member of the Greater Baltimore Lacrosse Foundation, helping guide the organization’s mission to expand and elevate the game.
In January 2026, Wills was honored with the Greater Baltimore Lacrosse Foundation’s Love of the Game Award, recognizing her lifelong dedication to the sport and her impact on athletes and the broader lacrosse community. Her influence was felt not only on the field but also through the countless lives she inspired.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Chester, Maryland. A Celebration of Life and Catholic Mass will take place on Tuesday, July 7, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, followed by interment at Stevensville Cemetery.
Natalie Wills is remembered for her courage, compassion, and lifelong devotion to lacrosse. Her legacy will continue to live on through the athletes she coached, the programs she strengthened, and the community she helped build. May she rest in peace.
