The Midwest Lacrosse Conference and Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference announced that Kelly Anderson Diercks has been selected as the conferences' next commissioner. Anderson Diercks succeeds G. Steven Larson, who has served as commissioner of the MLC and MWLC since the 2014 season and will be retiring this summer.

"I would like to thank [Hamline University Associate Vice President and Athletic Director] Jason Verdugo and the search committee for this opportunity," Anderson Diercks said.

"The sport of lacrosse has seen significant growth in the Midwest in recent years and I look forward to leading the Midwest Lacrosse Conference and Midwest Women's Lacrosse Conference, and its outstanding member institutions, through the next stages of growth for the league."

Anderson Diercks currently serves as associate athletic director and Senior Woman Administrator at Augsburg University. In her position, she is the director of compliance, oversees sports information, HR and serves as deputy Title IX officer for athletics.

Prior to Augsburg, Anderson Diercks served as assistant director for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference from 2006-08, first as an intern and later as assistant director under a two-year NCAA Division III Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship Grant. In her role at the conference office, Anderson Diercks performed a variety of tasks, including compliance, SAAC, sports information and led the MIAC's 25th anniversary of women's athletics celebration.

Anderson Diercks has served on the media relations and event management staff at numerous MIAC and NCAA regional and national championship events in the Midwest. She also serves on the organizing committee for Minnesota's National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration. Anderson Diercks is a member of Women Leaders in College Sports, NACDA and NADIIIA. She currently serves as the MIAC Athletic Director Liaison to the conference track and field and cross country coaches and formerly served as chair of the NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's Internship selection committee.

Diercks earned her bachelor's degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and master's degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

MLC members for the upcoming 2021 season include Beloit College, Cornell College, Monmouth College, North Central University and University of Northwestern, while MWLC members include Augsburg University, Beloit College, Cornell College, Hamline University, Loras College, Monmouth College, University of Northwestern and Wartburg College. Lake Forest College will join both leagues in the 2022 season.

Both NCAA Division III member conferences, the MLC began play in 2010 while the MWLC started play in 2011.