Laura Gebhart Named Head Field Hockey Coach

Laura Gebhart has been named head coach of the Fairfield University Field Hockey program as announced by Fairfield University Vice President of Athletics Paul Schlickmann on Thursday.

"After an extensive national search, I am thrilled to announce Laura as the next leader of our field hockey program," Schlickmann said. "She brings with her an exceptional pedigree as a competitor and a coach at the highest levels of the sport, along with an impeccable reputation amongst her mentors and peers. Laura's knowledge of the game, passion for the sport as a vehicle for personal growth and consistent pursuit of excellence aligns with our department's holistic approach of preparing our student-athletes for life after Fairfield. She has a strong vision for Fairfield Field Hockey and is poised to build upon the program's tradition of success."

Gebhart comes to the Fairfield University campus after spending four seasons with the Penn State Field Hockey program. She started her tenure at Penn State as an assistant coach for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, advancing to the NCAA Tournament in both seasons. In 2022, the team secured a spot in the NCAA semifinals with three tournament wins, helping the Nittany Lions post a 17-4 overall record in that campaign.

She was elevated to Associate Head Coach at Penn State in her third year with the program, a role which she held for two seasons in 2023 and 2024. During her four years at Penn State, the program registered a 48-27 overall record including two seasons with 14 or more victories.

"I am humbled and excited to take on the role of Head Field Hockey Coach at Fairfield University," Gebhart said. "This is an incredible opportunity to work alongside passionate student-athletes and contribute to a collaborative and forward-thinking athletics department. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Vice President for Athletics Paul Schlickmann for entrusting me to lead the program and guide future generations of Fairfield student-athletes. I am indebted to Lisa Love, Char Morett-Curtiss and my Penn State Field Hockey family for their unwavering support and mentorship. I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I am excited for the future with Fairfield Field Hockey and can't wait to get to work."

Before arriving at Penn State, Gebhart spent two seasons at Bryant University, starting as an assistant coach before eventually taking over the program as head coach for the 2021 season. She began her collegiate coaching career as a volunteer assistant with the University of Vermont during the 2018 season. Her resume also includes time as the head coach at Manheim Central High School where she was named the 2017 L-L League Section 2 Coach of the Year. Under her tutelage at Manheim Central, nine student-athletes earned opportunities to continue their playing career collegiately for Division I, II, and III field hockey programs.

As a student-athlete, Gebhart was a two-time captain and four-time All-American. Over her four-year stay, Penn State won 64 games, made four NCAA tournaments, advanced to three NCAA quarterfinal matches, and won two Big Ten tournament titles. On the international stage, Gebhart was a member of the U.S. Women's National Team, competing in the Junior World Cup.

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