MORRISVILLE, N.Y. – Morrisville State College's Director of Athletics, Greg Carroll, announced the hiring of Jennifer Koller as the college's field hockey head coach for the Fall 2018 season.
Koller comes to Morrisville State from Hendrix College in Arkansas where she served as assistant coach for the past four seasons.
"We could not be more pleased to have Jennifer joining the Mustang family," stated Carroll.
"During the course of the interview process and her time on campus she made it clear the future of the field hockey program would be well served in her hands."
Koller takes over for Allison Beardsley who guided the Mustangs to a 5-12 record in 2017, having captured the regular season North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) title with an undefeated 4-0 record, while having four earn all-conference recognition including Player, Defensive Player and Rookie of the Year awards.
Koller joined the Hendrix staff during the 2014-15 academic year as assistant coach of the field hockey and women's lacrosse programs.
During her time on the Warrior sidelines, she coached a total nine All-Southern Athletic Association first team honorees, all of which went on to earn Longstreth/NFHCA All-Great Lakes Regional Team accolades; in addition to three second team selections and an honorable mention honoree.
Koller's squad ranked 16th overall in the NCAA Division III in saves per game following the 2017 slate, including goalkeeper Alexis Truitt who ranked 13th among all goalkeepers in the NCAA in saves per game.
The Warriors, with Koller's assistance, held several season end rankings, including ranking third in the NCAA Division III in saves per game, and 18th in defensive saves per game during the 2016 season. The year prior, Hendrix claimed the top spot in saves per game also ranking 39th in save percentage.
The Woodbury, Connecticut native was a four-year letter winner as a defender for the Hendrix College field hockey squad, earning first team All-Southern Athletic Association accolades, Longstreth/NFHCA All-Great Lakes Region Second team honors, Southern Athletic Association All-Tournament, All-Sportsmanship and NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad accolades.
She finished her career with the Warriors with a school record 27 defensive saves to go along with five goals, three assists and three game winning scores.
As a senior, Koller established the school record for defensive saves in a single season with 18, also setting the mark within the conference ranks and finishing the season ranked fourth in the NCAA.
During her time as a student-athlete for the Warriors, Koller served as team captain, and also competed in track and field, competing in the hammer throw, javelin and shot put.
Koller is no stranger to New York, as she was also part of the United States Olympic Luge Development & Candidate Select team for six years, training in the sport of luge for 10 years in Lake Placid.
The 2014 graduate of Hendrix has her degree in psychology and is a certified functional strength coach.
"When we started the search process for our new head field hockey coach there happened to be several coaching vacancies across Division III and I was concerned about the depth of the candidate pool, as well as how the timing would play out with so many openings," Carroll remarked.
"The fact that we were able to attract a candidate of Jennifer's caliber says a lot about where Morrisville State fits in the NCAA Division III landscape. Whoever we spoke to about Jennifer reflected the utmost respect for her on all levels."
"I know we are all excited about working with her."
Koller will assume head coaching duties starting July 1 for the Mustangs.
Morrisville State College's curricula are enriched with applied learning and pave the way for opportunity at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses. An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, the college is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.
The college was ranked among the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges 2018 issue and was also recognized in the Top Public Schools, Regional Colleges North in the 2018 Best Colleges rankings. For more information about Morrisville State College, visit www.morrisville.edu.
#30#