By BRIAN TORTELLA
Correspondent
On X @tortreports
The head boys cross country coach at Kingsway Regional High will return to the lacrosse sidelines this spring, but this time in an elevated role.
After serving as an assistant coach last season, Nick Rothwein has landed the head girls lacrosse coaching position. The Kingsway Regional School District appointed Rothwein as the new coach during the Board of Education Meeting on Jan. 23.
“I’m extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead the girls lacrosse program at Kingsway,” Rothwein said. “The program is composed of talented and dedicated athletes, high-character individuals, and a growing spirit of camaraderie. I look forward to helping the players and program grow for years to come and building upon the success of previous seasons. Above all, it is an honor to be coaching at my alma mater and represent our motto of ‘Committed to Excellence’ in this new role. Together, the Kingsway girls lacrosse players and staff will strive to make the Kingsway community proud.”
A 2019 Kingsway graduate, Rothwein has been a history teacher at the high school since 2023. As the head cross country coach, his team earned the Tri-County Conference Royal Division title this past season.
“We are thrilled to see Nick Rothwein step into this leadership role,” Kingsway Regional School District Superintendent Dr. James J. Lavender said in a school press release. “His deep understanding of our program, experience as both a player and coach and unwavering commitment to our student-athletes make him the ideal choice to lead the girls lacrosse team. We look forward to seeing him build upon the strong foundation of our program and guide our athletes to success both on and off the field.”
Rothwein takes over for Suzanne Phalines, who coached for a lone season after Emily Wescott, who won the 2023 NJ Advance Media Girls Lacrosse Coach of the Year honors, resigned suddenly just prior to the start of the 2024 campaign.
“Nick is a dedicated coach and educator who has already made a significant impact on our programs,” Kingsway athletic director June Cioffi said in a school press release. “His ability to connect with students and motivate them to excel is unmatched. We are excited to see the energy, passion, and knowledge he will bring to the girls lacrosse program as the new head coach.”
Last year, Kingsway compiled a 17-6 record en route to the South Jersey Group 4 title and a state finals berth. The Dragons fell just short, losing 10-6 to North Jersey Group 4 champion Morristown in the state championship game.
Notable players lost to graduation include Ally Phalines — who scored a team-high 105 goals in 2024 — and Rothwein’s sister, Madi Rothwein. She recorded a staggering 277 draw controls.
Kingsway still returns some of its nucleus, though, including standout attackers Phoebe O’Rourke and Ellie Brook, along with defender Lauren Corbett.
