University Southern California Trojans
Sydney Scales Joins USC Lacrosse Coaching Staff
July 02, 2026 | Women's Lacrosse
Scales arrives at Troy after serving as an assistant coach at Harvard for the past two seasons
LOS ANGELES – USC has hired Sydney Scales to the position of assistant coach, first-year head coach Sam Apuzzo announced on Thursday, July 2.
"Sydney is one of the brightest minds in the game when it comes to defensive strategy," said Apuzzo. "She brings elite playing experience, proven leadership as a coach, and a passion for developing athletes. Her ability to teach the game at the highest level combined with her commitment to character, discipline, and teamwork, are what make her an exceptional coach and mentor; exactly what I'm looking for as we reignite this program at USC."
Scales served as an assistant coach at Harvard for two seasons (2025-26) under former USC assistant coach Devon Wills. She was the Crimsons' draw team coordinator and assisted with the defense. With Scales on staff, Harvard was 15-15 overall; 9-6 in 2025 and 6-9 in 2026. With the Crimson, Scales managed team operations, including practice plan, team travel logistics, film breakdown and scouting reports, and game plan. She also assisted with recruiting efforts.
"I couldn't be more excited and honored to join the Trojan Family!" said Scales. "First, I want to thank Sam Apuzzo. Ever since I fell in love with lacrosse, she's been someone I've looked up to and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join her staff. I can't wait to get to campus, get to work, and build something truly special alongside an amazing group of people. Fight On!"
One of the most accomplished defensive leaders in women's lacrosse and a standout defender and team captain at Boston College, Scales helped lead BC to two NCAA championships (2021, '24) and four consecutive appearances in the NCAA championship game. With Scales on the field, the Eagles also won two ACC championships.
As a collegian, Scales was named the IWLCA Defender of the Year, received back-to-back ACC Defender of the Year awards, was twice named to the IWLCA All-America first team, and was the ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Scales played in 86 games with 83 starts for the Eagles and totaled 142 ground balls and 111 caused turnovers.
Following her illustrious college career, Scales was selected fourth overall in the 2024 Athletes Unlimited Pro Lacrosse College Draft and was named to the All-Defensive team in her rookie season. Scales was also selected to the U.S. Women's National Team where she helped the U.S. win gold at the 2025 Pan-American Lacrosse Association Championship.
The Trojans (8-9 overall, 1-7 Big Ten) finished the regular season eighth in the Big Ten standings and did not advance to the conference tournament. USC earned four home wins in the new Rawlinson Stadium including a 9-8 victory over a 24th-ranked Brown (Feb. 15). The Trojans also collected four wins on the road, which included a 15-10 decision at Oregon to conclude the season. USC had one of the toughest schedules in the nation and faced eight ranked opponents including three in a row ranked in the top 10.
For more information on the USC lacrosse team, please visit USCTrojans.com/lax. Fans of the Women of Troy can follow @USCTrojansLax on X and Instagram.
"Sydney is one of the brightest minds in the game when it comes to defensive strategy," said Apuzzo. "She brings elite playing experience, proven leadership as a coach, and a passion for developing athletes. Her ability to teach the game at the highest level combined with her commitment to character, discipline, and teamwork, are what make her an exceptional coach and mentor; exactly what I'm looking for as we reignite this program at USC."
Scales served as an assistant coach at Harvard for two seasons (2025-26) under former USC assistant coach Devon Wills. She was the Crimsons' draw team coordinator and assisted with the defense. With Scales on staff, Harvard was 15-15 overall; 9-6 in 2025 and 6-9 in 2026. With the Crimson, Scales managed team operations, including practice plan, team travel logistics, film breakdown and scouting reports, and game plan. She also assisted with recruiting efforts.
"I couldn't be more excited and honored to join the Trojan Family!" said Scales. "First, I want to thank Sam Apuzzo. Ever since I fell in love with lacrosse, she's been someone I've looked up to and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join her staff. I can't wait to get to campus, get to work, and build something truly special alongside an amazing group of people. Fight On!"
One of the most accomplished defensive leaders in women's lacrosse and a standout defender and team captain at Boston College, Scales helped lead BC to two NCAA championships (2021, '24) and four consecutive appearances in the NCAA championship game. With Scales on the field, the Eagles also won two ACC championships.
As a collegian, Scales was named the IWLCA Defender of the Year, received back-to-back ACC Defender of the Year awards, was twice named to the IWLCA All-America first team, and was the ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Scales played in 86 games with 83 starts for the Eagles and totaled 142 ground balls and 111 caused turnovers.
Following her illustrious college career, Scales was selected fourth overall in the 2024 Athletes Unlimited Pro Lacrosse College Draft and was named to the All-Defensive team in her rookie season. Scales was also selected to the U.S. Women's National Team where she helped the U.S. win gold at the 2025 Pan-American Lacrosse Association Championship.
The Trojans (8-9 overall, 1-7 Big Ten) finished the regular season eighth in the Big Ten standings and did not advance to the conference tournament. USC earned four home wins in the new Rawlinson Stadium including a 9-8 victory over a 24th-ranked Brown (Feb. 15). The Trojans also collected four wins on the road, which included a 15-10 decision at Oregon to conclude the season. USC had one of the toughest schedules in the nation and faced eight ranked opponents including three in a row ranked in the top 10.
For more information on the USC lacrosse team, please visit USCTrojans.com/lax. Fans of the Women of Troy can follow @USCTrojansLax on X and Instagram.
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