Waterville, ME – Thomas College Athletics is excited to announce the promotion of
Lacey Campbell to Head Women's Soccer Coach. Campbell, previously the team's Associate Head Coach, replaces previous Head Coach Deb Biche Labbe, who was recently promoted to Deputy Director of Athletics.
Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics
Andrea Thebarge expressed for the transition, stating, "We are excited to see the continued growth of our Women's Soccer program under Lacey's leadership. Lacey's commitment to student-athlete development, both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with the mission and values of Thomas College Athletics."
Originally from Vacaville, California, and raised primarily in Swedesboro, New Jersey, Campbell brings a diverse background and strong ties to the Northeast. Campbell has been with the program since 2022, originally joining as an Assistant Coach. In 2024 Campbell was promoted to an Associate Head Coach, having more responsibilities in areas such as recruitment, film breakdown, training sessions, and overall player development while also working with the team's goalkeepers.
Prior to arriving at Thomas, Campbell spent two years at Thomas More College, assisting both the men's and women's soccer programs. During that time, both teams captured back-to-back Presidents' Athletic Conference Championships, while the women's program posted an impressive 42-3-2 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen. Additionally, Campbell has competed at the semi-professional level in the Women's Premier Soccer League and hold a U.S. Soccer C License.
In their role as Head Women's Soccer Coach, they will oversee all aspects of the program, including recruiting, player development, and program culture. Campbell expressed excitement about stepping into this new role, sharing, "There is so much that excites me about serving as Head Coach for Thomas Women's Soccer. I'm honored and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey with our program and our student-athletes in a greater capacity. What stands out most is the chance to build meaningful relationships and make a lasting impact on the student-athlete experience. I'm also excited to collaborate more deeply with our athletic department and the broader Thomas community as we continue to elevate the program."
Campbell's coaching philosophy centers on a holistic approach to student-athlete development. "My style of working with student-athletes is holistic. I believe in developing the whole person—not just the player—by emphasizing growth on the field, in the classroom, and in life. I prioritize building trust, open communication, and accountability, while creating an environment where student-athletes feel supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential."
Campbell also emphasized the importance of relationships and growth when reflecting on accomplishments. "I am most proud of the relationships I've built and the development of the student-athletes I've worked with. While accomplishments and recognition are important, I value growth, resilience, and the success of the team both on and off the field above all else."
Most recently, the Thomas Women's Soccer program returned to the North Atlantic Conference playoffs, highlighting continued progress and growth. Working closely with goalkeepers, Campbell helped guide goalkeeper
Emily Rock to postseason conference honors and a NAC East Division Second Team selection in 2024.
Looking ahead, Campbell shared both immediate and long-term goals for the program. "In the short term, my focus is on strengthening player collaboration and increasing student-athlete involvement within the program. I want our team to take ownership of the culture we are building and feel fully invested in our shared goals. Long term, I aim to build a competitive and respected program known for its strong culture, high standards, and consistent success both on and off the field. That includes developing leaders, fostering a strong sense of sisterhood, and creating an environment where our student-athletes can thrive academically, athletically, and personally. My goal is to create an environment where student-athletes feel valued, challenged, and inspired every day. I'm excited for what's ahead and for the opportunity to lead this program forward."
Campbell's official start date is Monday, March 23
rd and will look to begin preparations for this fall's season.