Reading, Pa. (Dec. 16, 2022) - Alvernia University Director of Athletics Bill Stiles announced on Friday a restructuring of the administration of Alvernia Athletics.

Laura Gingrich, who has served as the Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Women's Administrator for Alvernia since 2003, is retiring from her administrative duties. Gingrich, who has been the Head Field Hockey Coach since 1999 and is the winningest coach in Alvernia Field Hockey history, will remain in that position.

"I'm incredibly grateful and thankful for the hardwork and dedication that Laura has given to Alvernia as the Associate Athletic Director for nearly two decades," said Stiles. "She has been an amazing resource for both myself, our staff, and our student-athletes."

Gingrich was named the Assistant Director of Athletics and Senior Women's Administrator in 2000. She was then promoted to the Associate Director of Athletics role in 2003. During a two year break from coaching in the late 2000's, Gingrich served as the Interim Director of Athletics from 2008-09. She oversaw the transition of Alvernia from the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference to the MAC. She also oversaw the completion of new athletic facilities - including the turf field and Angelica Park facilities - and also served as the first Head Track and Field Coach before resuming her role as the Head Field Hockey coach 2010.

"Laura has played a pivotal role in leading Alvernia Athletics to where it is today," added Stiles. "She has had an incredible impact on our student-athletes and University, and we look forward to watching that impact continue on the field hockey field."

Replacing Gingrich in the role of Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator will be Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Megan Corrigan. Corrigan will also remain the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach as the team prepares to enter its fifth season under her leadership. 

"I'm thrilled that Megan has accepted this additional role within our department, and look forward to seeing her impact our student-athletes and department in a new way," said Stiles. "Since arriving back at Alvernia in 2018, Megan has proven to be an outstanding member of our staff. She is committed to the success of our student-athletes, teams, and University."

Corrigan, a 2012 graduate of Alvernia University, returned to Alvernia in 2018 as an assistant coach for Women's Lacrosse under then Head Coach Kelly McCloskey. She took over for McCloskey as the Head Coach in the summer of 2018. 

Prior to returning to Alvernia, Corrigan was the assistant coach at Susquehanna University for three seasons. She also completed a women's lacrosse graduate assistant coaching stint at Misericordia University for two seasons while earning her Master's in Organizational Management. 

Corrigan was also a stand out member of the Women's Lacrosse team from 2009-2012. She was a two-time All-MAC honoree, a captain, and a member of the 2012 ECAC Championship team.

In addition to the promotion of Corrigan to Associate Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator, Alvernia Head Women's Basketball Coach Rayne Reber has been promoted to the role of Assistant Director of Athletics and will remain the head coach of women's basketball.

"Since her arrival at Alvernia in 2018, Rayne has stepped into a natural leadership position within the department," said Stiles. "We are excited to expand her role in athletics into a position that further benefits our student-athletes and the University as a whole.

Reber joined the Alvernia staff in the summer of 2019. She is currently in her fourth season as the Head Coach of Women's Basketball, and recently recorded her 100th career win earlier this season. Prior to Alvernia, Reber had a highly successful five-year head coaching career at Rosemont College. She coached the Ravens to a CSAC Championship, their first ever NCAA postseason appearance, and was named the CSAC Coach of the Year.

Additionally, Elizabeth Sands has been promoted to Executive Assistant for Athletics. Sands, who has served as Administrative Assistant since 2015, manages internal operations for Athletics; including budget management, transportation, and business operations. In addition, she supports all administrative functions of the department.  "Liz is the glue that holds everything together," said Stiles.  "She is an invaluable member of the staff and a tireless worker."  

"I look forward to working with both Megan and Rayne in a new capacity," added Stiles. "Both of them bring immense skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the table and we are excited to get to work. And, I am so happy to have Liz in an enhanced role that more accurately reflects the size and scope of what she does for, and means to, Alvernia Athletics."  
Alvernia University is a thriving comprehensive university that empowers students to become ethical leaders with moral courage, while providing an intellectually challenging environment with real-world learning experiences. Operating on a scenic 191-acre suburban campus in historic Berks County, Pennsylvania, the distinctive Franciscan university of nearly 3,000 students is conveniently located near Philadelphia (60 miles) and within an easy drive of New York, Baltimore and Washington, DC.