Union, N.J. (12/1/23) – Leslie LaFronz, head coach of the field hockey program at Kean University, has announced her retirement.
"For me, coaching has always been about relationships. I have been fortunate enough over the last 40 years to have been able to have worked with thousands of student-athletes. That is why stepping down as the head field hockey coach at Kean University has been such a difficult decision for me. I will always cherish the special memories that we created and the many milestones that we achieved on and off the field," stated LaFronz.
LaFronz has been at the helm of the field hockey program since 2009 and leaves Kean as the winningest coach in program history with a 201-83 overall mark (.708). Throughout her 15 seasons in Union she has brought her teams to the NCAA tournament four times, most recently advancing to the NCAA semifinals, the highest finish for any team in program history. During her time at Kean her teams have advanced to the postseason in all but two seasons. In 2022 the field hockey program captured the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Championship.
She earned her 200th career victory in 2021 and matched that same mark in wins at Kean this past fall. Twice she was named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Coach of the Year (2016, 2017) in addition to ECAC Coach of the Year honors in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
In her 19 seasons overall as a collegiate coach she finished with a 229-123 overall record.
LaFronz was also the head women's lacrosse coach at Kean for three seasons (2010-2012) recording 26 victories.
LaFronz is a member of the College Conversation Subcommittee of espnW; espnW connects young women with the sports they love and follow. It is ESPN's first dedicated content and digital business initiative designed to serve, inform and inspire female athletes and fans.
As a full-scholarship student-athlete at Northwestern University, LaFronz competed in the NCAA Division I tournament all four seasons as a field hockey player and for two seasons while playing women's lacrosse. The field hockey team advanced all the way to the Final Four in 1984 and she was a First-Team All-Big Ten defender for the Wildcats. LaFronz earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Northwestern University in 1985.
"I have created lifelong friendships with my assistant coaches, colleagues, alumni and even opposing coaches and players. I am so proud to have been able to have had a positive impact on so many amazing athletes that have trusted me in this process. Even though I am moving on, I will forever be grateful and will always be a Cougar at heart."
