WORCESTER, Mass. – Clark University Director of Athletics and Recreation, Trish Cronin, announced the hiring of Laura-Ann Lane as the seventh Head Field Hockey Coach in program history on Wednesday morning.
"I would like to thank Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Kirsten Clark and the search committee for believing in me and bringing me on as the next field hockey coach at Clark University," said Lane on being named the seventh Head Field Hockey Coach in program history. "The vision that Director of Athletics Trish Cronin shared with me for the team and department as a whole aligned with my coaching style and personal values. Hearing from the team and their goals and expectations for the coming season and beyond was the icing on the cake for me. I am counting the days until I get to work with this group of student-athletes and to begin our journey together!"
"We are thrilled to welcome Laura-Ann to the Clark Athletics family," stated Cronin on the hiring of Lane. "Laura-Ann's experience and record of achievement speaks volumes to her passion for field hockey. Her sustained level of success and drive to help enhance the student-athlete experience will help build a foundation for the program. I look forward to watching Laura-Ann lead the field hockey program and create her own legacy here at Clark."
Lane arrives in Worcester after spending the last three years at Nichols College as their Head Coach. At Nichols, Lane recorded her 250th career win, coordinated all aspects of a NCAA DIII field hockey program, coached 13 Academic All-Americans, increased alumni giving by over 50%, and created positive relationships with partners around campus to help the program grow.
Prior to Nichols, Lane was the Head Field Hockey Coach and Senior Woman Administrator at Gwynedd Mercy for 13 years. At Gwynedd Mercy, Lane was a three-time Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Coach of the Year and the 2018 Atlantic East Conference (AEC) Coach of the Year. She led the Griffins to nine consecutive CSAC Conference Championship Games, including a your-year streak from 2011-14 and six NCAA Tournament appearances.
Lane helped guide 89 All-Conference student-athletes, with 45 earning First-Team selections, and coached seven Player of the Year athletes. A total of 13 student-athletes earned a spot on the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) South Atlantic All-Region honors as well as an NFHCA All-American. From 2017-19, the field hockey program led the conference in highest team GPA.
Before arriving at Gwynedd Mercy, Lane was the Head Coach at Roanoke College for three years. Lane led the Maroons to three Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament appearances and coached nine student-athletes who received All-Conference honors. Nine student-athletes were Academic All-America selections over Lane's three seasons.
Lane began her career in coaching and spent six years at her alma mater, Beaver College (now Arcadia University), where she led the program to five conference tournament appearances. Lane was named Presidents Athletic Conference Coach of the Year (PAC) in 2002, coached 23 All-Conference players, and saw 55 student-athletes named to the PAC Academic All-Conference squad.
As a player, Lane earned three Philadelphia Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (PAIAW) All-Conference honors and helped guide the team to a pair of conference championships. Lane graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and later received a Master's Degree in Education.
Lane has served as an NCAA Field Hockey Championship site representative on four occasions (2010, 2015-16, 2019) as well as on the NCAA Regional Rankings Committee (2009-12, 2019) and the NFHCA Regional All-America Committee (2008-12). She coached at the NFHCA Senior All-Star Game four times (2013-14, 2017-18) and was a speaker and presenter at the NCAA Division III Senior Woman Administrator Program in 2020. Lane was also selected as a U12 coach for the 2020 Limerick Cup in Ireland.
"Clark's commitment to high academics and excellence from their student-athletes were things that made this position attractive to me," added Lane. "I am excited to get on the recruiting trail representing Clark University and adding highly driven and motivated athletes to this program!"
What others are saying…
"With a solid coaching background, LA Lane boasts a firmly rooted career in coaching, showcasing unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport. She exemplifies the qualities of a servant leader, consistently eager to contribute and support where needed. Her exceptional devotion to service was acknowledged with an honorable mention for the 2023 NFHCA President's Award."
-Cate Clark, Executive Director NFHCA
"LA Lane is an exceptional hire for Clark University. She cares deeply about both the sport and her student-athletes. She is an active member of our national field hockey organization and has done everything within her power to help our sport improve and grow. She has many years of knowledge and experience and the Clark student-athletes will truly benefit from her expertise."
-Marci Sheuing, Head Field Hockey Coach at Kutztown University
"It's exciting to officially welcome LA to the NEWMAC! She has been a great mentor to me professionally and I have no doubt she will do the same for the Clark Field Hockey student-athletes. LA's experience and history of success will be a great addition to Clark Athletics."
-Callie Lekas, Head Field Hockey Coach at Wellesley
