The Collegiate Coaching Carousel: Fresh Faces and New Directions

Aug 14, 2024 | 2024-2025, Blog

Pictured: Jenny Carr, Head Coach, Fairleigh Dickinson University

By Laurie Temple, NFHCA Digital Communications Specialist

MANAHAWKIN, NJ – As the 2024 field hockey season approaches, the collegiate coaching landscape has experienced notable shifts, with the NFHCA tracking over 30 head coaching changes across more than 280 collegiate programs this fall. Last fall there were 47 head coaching changes headed into the fall season. These new appointments mark the beginning of a fresh chapter as universities and colleges aim to rejuvenate their teams. With experienced leaders stepping into new roles and emerging talents taking the helm, these changes are poised to introduce new strategies, philosophies, and energy to programs across the divisions.

One of these head coaching changes, Jenni Releford, new Head Coach at Division III University of Lynchburg, offered her perspective ahead of this new season:

“After seven months as the head field hockey coach, I’m excited that my first preseason is only days away. I am looking forward to building new and deeper relationships, facing unexpected challenges, fresh adventures and leading the University of Lynchburg program into this modern chapter.

I am thrilled to be able to lead our field hockey family and I look forward to developing our student athletes into successful young ladies, on and off the field.”

Jenny Carr, who took the reins at Division III Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) this past spring, added her thoughts:

“I’m super honored to have taken over the reins at FDU this past April. We hit the ground running and had a very productive spring season to lay some groundwork for this upcoming season. I’m eager to get started this fall with the talented and determined group of young women on the team who are willing to put to work in to succeed on and off the field. I’m also excited to embrace an alumni group that is super passionate about their storied program as we celebrate 45 years of field hockey at FDU this season!”

Joan Johnson, new Head Coach at Division II Coker University, shared her excitement for the upcoming season:

“As a former board member of the NFHCA, I was inspired to become a college coach – and along the path have had the honor and privilege of coaching many wonderful young women – but here at Coker I am looking forward to seeing field hockey growing in the South and be a part of that growth.

I have multiple international players for the first time and their talent will only add to my passion and enthusiasm for this game.  I have been from rec league, high school club and college and I can say I am looking forward to extending my coaching career with the Cobras.”

Head Coaching Updates for the 2024 Season

Here are some updates on head coaching appointments:

Division I:

  • Columbia University – Niki Miller
  • Hofstra University – Hilary Fitts
  • Kent State University – Heather Hefner
  • La Salle University – Michael Warri
  • Merrimack College – Rachel Perry
  • Richmond University – Martu Loncarica
  • Saint Francis University – Mackenzie Allessie
  • Wagner College – Aubrey Mytych

Division II:

  • American International College – Kylie Gargiulo (interim)
  • Coker University – Joan Johnson
  • Lincoln Memorial University – Marnie Reidell
  • Molly College – Ellis Chance

Division III:

  • Anna Maria College – Marybeth Brandt
  • Cedar Crest College – Kate Cochran
  • College of Wooster – Lauren Voigt
  • DeSales University – Cayla Andrews
  • Eastern Mennonite University – Chardonnay Hope
  • Elizabethtown College – Grace Hardy
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University – Jenny Carr
  • Goucher College – Megan Callahan
  • Gordon College – Alyssa Maryanopolis
  • Kean University – Maura Johnston
  • King’s College – Sara Myers
  • Meredith College – Sam Keating
  • Nazareth University – Kelsey Devine
  • Ramapo College – Kelsie Stefkovich
  • Rhodes College – Laura Hurff (Interim)
  • Russell Sage College – Carissa Warren
  • Saint Joseph’s College of Maine – Theresa (Hendrix) Arsenault
  • University of Lynchburg – Jenni Releford
  • Washington & Jefferson College – Brittany Randolph
  • Wittenburg University – Brighid Kortyna

Additionally, Division II D’Youville University and Division III Penn State Harrisburg, along with their respective coaches, Nicole Sott and Amanda J. Misselhorn, are poised to launch their programs this fall.

To all the new coaches stepping into these roles, we wish you the best of luck in leading your teams to success on and off the field.

Please note that this list may not capture all recent head coach changes. If you know of any updates or future changes, kindly email us at outreach@nfhca.org.

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The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.