By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/26/25
Longtime Conestoga assistant and alumna Jaclyn (Klunder) Collins has been named head coach of the Pioneers’ girls’ lacrosse team.
Collins has served as an assistant at Conestoga since 2013. She also coaches with the Phantastix.
As a player, Klunder Collins helped Conestoga win District 1 AAA championships in 2005 and 2006, as well as three Central League titles. She played 4 seasons at Drexel University, where she was a captain and helped lead the Dragons to the CAA championship tournament for the first time in history, her junior year, and again in her senior year. She achieved the Commissioner’s Academic Award every year at Drexel.
“It really is a dream job,” said Collins. “I feel like I’m one of those lucky people who truly get to do what they love every day. I love teaching, I love coaching, and I’m so grateful to be able to do both in such an amazing school district and community. To now have the opportunity to be the head coach is exciting and really special.”
What goals does Collins have?
“I’m really excited to keep building on what’s already such a strong program,” said Collins. “The culture here is incredible. The girls work hard, support each other, and take so much pride in representing our school.
“We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success, and that’s a credit to the players and coaches who’ve set such a high standard.
“My goal moving forward is to keep that momentum going — to continue developing our players’ skills, leadership, and love for the game. It’s about staying competitive, of course, but also about making sure every athlete who comes through the program grows as a person and a teammate. We want to keep that sense of pride, connection, and excellence that makes this program special!”
Klunder Collins replaces the highly successful Amy Orcutt, who stepped down this summer to spend more time with her family. Orcutt won three state championships and five Central League titles in her 16 years as Conestoga head coach. The Pioneers won PIAA titles in 2016, 2022, and 2024. She also won five Central League and three District 1 crowns.
Also, Orcutt was twice named the National Federation High School/PIAA Girls’ Lacrosse Coach of the Year, and in 2022, she was named the Regional (covering 8 states) Coach of the Year. She was named the Phillylacrosse.com Coach of the Year in 2016. Moreover, Conestoga has won the Team Service Award given by PASLA for many years, something Orcutt was most proud of.
“Amy’s had an enormous impact on me, both professionally and personally. Amy is an incredible coach and leader, and I’ve been so fortunate to learn from her for the past 13 years. What I’ve learned most from her is how to balance high expectations with genuine care for the girls. Amy remains a close friend and mentor, and I’m incredibly grateful for the example she’s set.”
Collins is teaching 2nd Grade at Valley Forge Elementary. She also runs the local Little Laxers Camp for K-through-5 players, and is the Phantastix club Youth Director.
