Reading, Pa. (March 20, 2026) - Alvernia University field hockey head coach Laura Gingrich announced on Friday her retirement following a 27 year career with Alvernia.

"It is bittersweet for us to say goodbye to Laura," said Cory Beddick, Director of Athletics and Recreation. "She has been instrumental in helping Alvernia Athletics and our field hockey program reach the heights we have. Her passion, work-ethic, competitiveness, and desire to make those around her better have done just that. Not only has she been a fantastic leader to so many student-athletes, she has been a mainstay and leader in our department."

Gingrich has been with Alvernia Athletics since her first season at the helm of the field hockey program in 1999. Through 24 seasons as the head coach, Gingrich has amassed 292 wins, including 131 wins in conference play. She made 14 postseason appearances, won two conference championships, and made the NCAA tournament three times. 

Gingrich also spent from 2000-2022 as an administrator, serving as the Assistant Director of Athletics and Senior Women's Administrator beginning in 2000 before being promoted to the Associate Athletic Director in 2004. During a two year break from coaching, Gingrich spent 2008-09 as the Interim Director of Athletics. She oversaw the transition of Alvernia from the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference to the Middle Atlantic Conference, and oversaw the completion of the turf and Angelica Park.

"I'm super excited for Laura and Jim as they begin a well-deserved retirement; spending time with family, their grandchildren, and enjoying life on the Chesapeake," said Alvernia Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President John R. McCloskey, Jr., DBA. "Laura has been an exceptional leader and colleague. She has championed scholar-athletes and helped shape the growth of our department, expanding both our sport programs and the number of student-athletes we serve."

"For the past 27 years, Alvernia University has been a second home to me," said Gingrich. "During my tenure, I have had the privilege of contributing to the growth of our athletic programs and facilities, and I am especially proud of the opportunity to mentor hundreds of field hockey student-athletes." 

During her time on the field, Gingrich coached her players to 82 all-conference honors, 29 all-region honors, and coached 14 All-Americans. She coached 12 players or rookies of the year, and was twice named Coach of the Year herself in 2006 and 2011. 

"Watching student-athletes mature as competitors, earn their degrees, and then go on to serve their communities and build families has been the most rewarding aspect of my career," added Gingrich. 

In 2005 and 2007, Gingrich led her teams to PAC Field Hockey titles and NCAA berths. She also made the PAC final in 2006 and earned an at-large appearance in the NCAA tournament. Her 2005 team made it to the second round of NCAAs following a 2-1 win over Lynchburg. Once Alvernia transitioned to the MAC Commonwealth, Gingrich led her teams to MAC Commonwealth title games four more times. She also won the ECAC Championship four times, including most recently in 2024. 

Gingrich's 2005 team went on to get inducted into Alvernia's Hall of Fame 2021. The 2005 team, along with nine individual Alvernia Hall of Fame inductees were all coached by Gingrich during her tenure. That number will likely continue to grow as more of her athletes continue to become eligible for induction. In 2021, Gingrich was also inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame - Berks County Chapter.

"We are very happy for Laura and this next chapter in her life, but we are also very sad to see her go," said Beddick. "Our field hockey program is poised to take the next step in the conference and nationally because of the strong foundation Laura has built for the past 24 seasons."

"Laura was a loyal colleague and friend who always kept me informed about the day-to-day happenings within athletics," added McCloskey. "She was more than a coach - she was a student of the game, a mentor to fellow coaches, and a colleague whose example we will aspire to follow. Coach will certainly be missed on the field, but I am confident we will see her in the bleachers for decades to come."

Gingrich will remain with Alvernia through the remainder of the spring semester before officially retiring in June.

"As I transition into retirement, I look forward to spending more time with my husband, Jim, and three granddaughters," said Gingrich. "We look forward to enjoying the activities we love, like traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking, and boating."

"Even though she will no longer be on the sideline, we know she will be one of the biggest supports in the stands at so many of our games," added Beddick. 

A national search to find Alvernia's next field hockey head coach will begin immediately.