UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – Gina Stephan, an experienced head coach, has been selected as the first field hockey coach in John Carroll history, announced Monday, March 31.

The addition of field hockey as JCU’s 25th varsity sport was announced on December 12. John Carroll will compete as a club team in fall 2025 and then become a varsity sport in fall 2026.

Stephan arrives in University Heights via Bridgewater College. Stephan has been the Eagles' head coach since 2021.

"I am very excited to welcome Gena Stephan as the first field hockey coach in the history of John Carroll University," said Vice President for Athletics and National Engagement Brian Polian '97. "This is an important moment as we embark on the journey of establishing and building another program within our department. After conducting a national search, it was clear to me and to our staff that Gina was the right person for the job and that she would be an asset on our campus."  

Stephan enjoyed a successful five-year stint at Bridgewater, including four seasons as the head coach. She arrived at the Division III program in August 2020 as an assistant coach and took over the helm in May 2021. Stephan gradually built up the roster size from 16 players in her first season to 23 players in her final campaign. Under Stephan's watch, the Eagles enjoyed an upward trajectory.

This past season, Stephan guided Bridgewater to a 12-6-1 record and an appearance in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament. The Eagles finished with a winning record for the first time since 2016. In both 2023 and 2024, the Eagles appeared in the ODAC Semifinals, a round Bridgewater had not reached since 2016. 

"I'm so honored to be a part of starting the Field Hockey program at John Carroll," said Stephan. "With the University's incredible history of success, I'm excited to join a culture that is person-focused, relationship-driven, and process-oriented. I want to thank Brian Polian, President Al Miciak, and everyone at John Carroll for welcoming me to University Heights." 

Prior to her time at Bridgewater, Stephan served as the assistant coach for Haverford College for one season, helping guide the Garnet to a 9-8 record. For three seasons, Stephan was the varsity head coach at Clarence High School in New York. She was selected as the Section VI Coach of the Year in 2018. 

"Gina has a history as a program builder, believes in a student-centered culture, and embraces the academic and Jesuit missions of our institution," said Polian. "I have no doubt that she is going to establish a strong foundation and grow our team into a consistent performer in the NCAC."

Stephan earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from SUNY Brockport in 2014. Additionally, Stephan acquired a Master of Arts in Psychology from SUNY Brockport in 2016 and a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Canisius College in 2019. Stephan also acquired a Graduate Certificate in Sports Performance Psychology from the University of Western States in 2023.