Amanda Rutledge serves as the Varsity Head Coach of the Apex High School Women’s Lacrosse program, bringing more than a decade of coaching experience and a relationship-driven approach to the Cougars. Originally from Towson, Maryland, Coach Rutledge participated in a variety of youth sports including soccer, softball, tennis, and lacrosse, developing a well-rounded appreciation for teamwork and competition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Gettysburg College and maintains her teaching license along with CPR and First Aid certification.

Coach Rutledge is inspired by the opportunity to give back to the sport and to walk alongside her athletes through their personal and athletic journeys. She views coaching as a privilege and believes strongly in building a team culture rooted in support, accountability, and trust. Her philosophy emphasizes respect, responsibility, and strong relationships, both within the team and individually. She believes that when athletes feel supported and challenged, trust is built—and with trust comes opportunity and growth.

Prior to joining Apex, Coach Rutledge worked with local youth lacrosse programs in Holly Springs, helping develop young athletes at the grassroots level. One of her proudest moments is seeing her teams compete with respect for opponents and officials every day. What she enjoys most about coaching at Apex is the strong connection with her players and their families. Outside of lacrosse, Coach Rutledge enjoys football and staying active. A fun fact—she is the proud parent of six children, four of whom graduated from Apex High School, and two of her sons have gone on to become coaches themselves, one at the high school level and one at the collegiate level.