WLAX Fireworks

Belief From the Beginning Built the Foundation for USF Women’s Lacrosse

Joan Natoli and her family committed early to the vision, helping shape the culture, community and support system behind the Bulls’ inaugural season.

February 11, 2026

TAMPA, Fla., February 11, 2026 - For Joan Natoli and her family, the story of USF Women's Lacrosse began long before the first whistle, the first practice or even the first recruit announcement. It began with a leap of faith rooted in belief, loyalty and the unwavering conviction that something special was going to take shape in Tampa.

Her daughter, Claire Natoli, was originally recruited by Mindy McCord to play at Jacksonville. The Natolis even purchased a home in the area just so they could be closer to her collegiate journey.

When Coach McCord took on the challenge of building the inaugural USF Women's Lacrosse program, Claire did not hesitate. She recommitted to McCord without ever seeing USF's campus, becoming the first verbal commit in program history.
And Joan did not hesitate either. "Our entire family was all-in from the start," Joan said. "Claire knew she wanted to build something with Coach, and as a mom, we were just along for the enthusiastic ride."

Building a Culture From Day One

Joan quickly became more than a supportive parent in the stands. As the team's parent liaison, she helped set the tone for a fan base that would soon become one of the most passionate in the American Conference.

"It has been an amazing experience to take the lead from leadership with our coaches and drive a winning culture in every facet of the program," Joan Natoli said. "We have THE BEST parents and fans. Go big or go home is our motto. Make everything fun, exciting, and positive."

From delivering welcome bags and coordinating tailgates to creating chants and fueling the energy in the stands, the Natolis helped shape the heartbeat of USFWLAX.

"Our job is to be the best fans possible, so the coaches and players have the best support on and off the field," Joan added. "We have lots in store for this coming season and are so excited."

Lacrosse Isn't Just a Game

The Natolis' connection to lacrosse runs deep. Joan played the sport growing up, currently works with a club program, and even helped co-build the Dynasty Elite Lacrosse Club in Pennsylvania alongside her daughter. Claire's team, TANGO, was the club's very first team, a true legacy of building from the ground up.

"Claire is a natural builder," Joan said.

That builder's spirit is woven into everything the Natolis do, from nurturing young players to rallying parents around a new program with championship aspirations.

A Season of Firsts and Forever Memories

Ask Joan about her favorite memory from the inaugural season, and she will laugh before warning you. How do you pick just one?

There was the historic opening night with nearly 2,000 fans, fireworks, and an electric atmosphere. It was also the first time the Bulls stormed the field to "Timmy Trumpet."

"That moment was unreal," she said. "The excitement, the work put into that first game, it electrified the night. It was a hallmark for the season."

There was also a trip to the American Conference Championship weekend in year one, a massive statement for a brand-new program.

Then there were the little moments that meant everything. Her eight-year-old twins running pregame drills with the team. Players connecting personally with fans in the stands. Parents cheering for athletes who were not even their own.

"These relational touches set this culture apart," Joan said. "It's unique, it's special and it's something our family will remember forever."

The First Whispers of Greatness

When Joan reflects on watching USF compete for the first time, her voice fills with pride.

"It was such an amazing build to that moment," she said. "The years of preparation, the baby Bulls in the crowd, the new fans experiencing lacrosse for the first time. It felt like the first whispers of greatness and the trajectory of championships started to unfold right before our eyes."

She has not missed a moment since.

"I've watched every single game, every fall ball game, scrimmage, and official game," she said. "It's exciting to see the growth of every player, to hear how USFWLAX is regarded at tournaments, to see the high-level talent we're attracting. What we did last year will be compounded this year."

Why Fans Matter Now More Than Ever

Joan believes the fan base will play a pivotal role in the program's rise.
Being a part of the USF Women's Lacrosse family is more than just watching a game. It is about being a part of something special. It is about helping to build a program from the ground up and creating a culture that encourages and supports the players.

"I think fans and fan engagement are positioned to be a driving force in this program's success," she said.

Her message to prospective fans, whether lifelong lacrosse lovers or brand-new to the sport, is simple.

"Even if you don't know anything about the sport, you will learn," she said. "Our parents love welcoming people into the stands. You'll feel that electrifying environment immediately. We want everyone to feel a part of the USFWLAX family."
USF Women's Lacrosse returns this spring, and the Bulls are just getting started.
 
TICKETS
Fans can purchase women's lacrosse tickets by calling 1-800-GoBulls or at USFBullsTix.com.
 
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About USF Women's Lacrosse
Entering its second season, the University of South Florida women's lacrosse program builds on a historic inaugural year that quickly established the Bulls as a contender in the American Athletic Conference. South Florida opened its first-ever season on Feb. 7, 2025, with a 19–6 win over Kennesaw State, setting the State of Florida regular-season attendance record as 2,386 fans filled Corbett Stadium. The Bulls went on to finish the 2025 season with a 13–5 record and earned a place in the American Conference Championship in their inaugural season, ultimately finishing as the league's runner-up. South Florida also drew more than 10,000 total fans to Corbett Stadium during the season. USF named Mindy McCord, an eight-time conference coach of the year, as the program's first head coach in May 2022. McCord arrived in Tampa with 240 career wins and a proven record of building successful programs after launching and leading Jacksonville University's women's lacrosse team for its first 13 seasons. During her tenure at JU, she guided the Dolphins to 21 regular-season and conference tournament titles, eight NCAA Tournament appearances, and back-to-back Sweet Sixteen berths while developing 13 All-Americans, 81 all-conference selections, and 13 conference Player of the Year honorees. South Florida plays a fast-paced, high-scoring style influenced by the early 1990s Loyola Marymount men's basketball fast break. That approach ranked among the national leaders in shots, points per game, and scoring margin during McCord's tenure at Jacksonville and continues to shape the Bulls' offensive identity heading into year two.
 
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