Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/22/24 – From Press Release
Furman first-year head women’s lacrosse coach Gail Wallach has announced that Bella Karstien (Exeter High) has been named an assistant coach for the 2025 season.
Karstien, a native of Reading and a two-time All-Phillylacrosse.com Central/NE PA choice, just concluded a four-year collegiate career that saw her log 65 career games at Louisville and Clemson.
“I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this program and cannot wait to meet the team,” Karstien stated. “I am especially excited about the future of Furman lacrosse and to be a part of its continued success and growth.”
Karstien played two seasons at Clemson under head coach Allison Kwolek, starting in all 36 games for the Tigers at defense. A two-time Academic All-ACC selection, she totaled 23 ground balls, 19 caused turnovers, nine assists, and seven draws as Clemson combined to post a 23-13 record.
She transferred to Clemson after starting her career at Louisville. Karstien was an ACC All-Freshman Team selection and ACC All-Academic Team pick while appearing in 29 games with nine starts. She registered 15 goals with five assists highlighted by a 10-goal, three-assist campaign in 2021. She added seven points on five goals and two assists the following season.
“I have had the opportunity to work several camps with Bella. She has great energy, a strong work ethic, and is extremely organized,” said Wallach. “Bella is passionate about impacting our student-athletes both on and off the field and our players will benefit from her playing experience in the ACC. She is a great addition to our staff and the future of Furman Lacrosse!”
Karstien was a three-time first team All-Berks County selection at Exeter Township Senior High School in Reading. The 2019 Berks Lacrosse Player of the Year compiled 205 goals and 64 assists throughout her prep career while earning back-to-back All-America citations in 2018 and 2019. Karstien posted a career best 74 goals and 22 assists in 2019.
She graduated from Clemson in 2024 with a degree in psychology.
