NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) announced that HC Xeni Barakos-Yoder has been selected as one of the two recipients of the Kristina Quigley Memorial Scholarship on Thursday, Oct. 8.
 
In honor of the former Seton Hill head coach who passed away in 2013, the scholarship recognizes her impact on the lacrosse world and the connections coaches make off the field with their teams. The recipients will be presented with scholarships during the Awards Luncheon on November 18, during the 2026 IWLCA Convention, located at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg, Fla.
 
Barakos-Yoder has been the Warriors' head coach since 2015, cultivating a culture within the program that extends beyond the field. Her family has become a part of the team as well, as both of her children have grown up around her teams. Through the scholarship, Barakos-Yoder will return to the IWLCA Convention for the first time in seven years. She last attended the convention when she was pregnant with her son, and now has the opportunity to include her family in the trip.
 
"Receiving this scholarship means so much to me because it allows me to bring my family with me instead of taking more time away from them," Barakos-Yoder said. "My family has made so many sacrifices for my coaching career, and my children have grown up alongside my team, my players, and the sport I love. Coaching has become a part of their lives, too, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with them."
 
"I am excited to return to the IWLCA Convention, learn, connect, and be inspired alongside the incredible women in our profession—and especially excited that my children will get to experience it with me."
 
The Kristina Quigley Scholarship was created to honor Quigley's passion, commitment, and values. The award supports travel for the recipient's family to attend the annual IWLCA Convention, acknowledging the sacrifices coaches and their families make throughout the season. The opportunity to bring family to this professional gathering reflects the very spirit of Kristina Quigley.