Fuchs Named Field Hockey Head Coach
SWARTHMORE, Pa. -- Lauren Fuchs has been named head coach of the Swarthmore field hockey team, as announced by Marian Ware Director of Athletics Adam Hertz.
Fuchs, associate Swarthmore head coach this past season, is the 13th field hockey coach in College history. She replaces Kelly Wilcox '97, who joined the Dean's Office as assistant director of student life last year. Wilcox was at the helm of the Garnet field hockey program for the past six seasons, posting an overall record of 45-58 and 20-39 in the Centennial Conference.
“I am truly excited to be part of the Swarthmore Athletics family,” said Fuchs. “I look forward to developing the skills necessary to win in the Centennial.”
Fuchs has developed valuable coaching experience at a variety of schools. Prior to coming to Swarthmore, she was head coach at University of Maryland-Baltimore County (2006-07), Temple University (1993-2004) and interim head coach at the University of New Hampshire (1990-91). She was an assistant at Northeastern University (1991-93), University of New Hampshire (1987-1990) and University of Connecticut (1981-84).
While at Temple, Fuchs led the Owls to the Atlantic 10 Championship in 1994 and was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year. During her 11 years at Temple, the Owls played in nine Conference championships. In her coaching career, Fuchs has tutored 11 All-Americans and 28 First Team All-Conference selections.
Fuchs has a strong passion for the sport of field hockey, having been involved with the United States Olympic Development Program in multiple capacities since 1986. She was named the United States Olympic Committee National Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1998, while serving as the head coach of the under-20 National Team.
Fuchs, a 1981 graduate from the University of Connecticut, received a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education. While at Connecticut, she was a four-year starter and team captain of the field hockey team, earning All-America and All-Regional status while participating in postseason play all four years.
“We are very fortunate to find a match with Lauren. Her considerable experience and reputation in the world of field hockey is far reaching,” said Hertz. “She has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the team and the search committee, and we are excited to see what her leadership will bring to the program.”
Swarthmore is steeped in field hockey tradition. The Garnet won the Centennial Conference titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997 while claiming the 1997 ECAC Mid-Atlantic Championship. The 2007 Swarthmore team finished the 2007 season with an overall record of 6-11, 3-7 in the Centennial.