Alicia Govannicci '14 named field hockey head coach

Alicia Govannicci '14 has been named Rider's sixth field hockey head coach. She returns to Rider, where she played for the Broncs for four seasons. 

Govannicci replaces Lori Hussong, who retired after guiding the Broncs to eight Northeast Conference (NEC) Championships in her 23 seasons at the helm.
 
"It is exciting to welcome Alicia home as our next coach," says Rider University Athletic Director Don Harnum. "She was a tenacious competitor and winner during her time wearing the Rider uniform, and has been preparing for this opportunity throughout her coaching journey. Rider field hockey has a history of success due to talented players, a special family atmosphere and positive culture. It became apparent throughout the search process that Alicia is the right person to lead this proud program."
 
Most recently, Govannicci has been an assistant coach at NEC rival Long Island University (LIU), where she helped the Sharks reach the NEC Championship game in 2021. In two seasons, Govannicci has overseen five All-NEC players.
 
"I am extremely thrilled and grateful to be able to return 'home' to Rider University as the new head field fockey coach," says Govannicci. "I would like to thank Don Harnum, Karin Torchia [senior associate director of athletics for external operations and development, and senior women's administrator] and the current team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to take leadership over a program that has always meant so much to me."

During Govannicci's time with the Broncs, the team won three consecutive NEC Championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012. She earned Second-Team All-NEC honors as a junior and First-Team All-MAAC honors as a senior. 

"As a Rider field hockey alum, I know how special this program is, and I will work to maintain its longstanding legacy of success," she says. "I am excited to share my passion, knowledge and love for the game with such a hardworking, talented and enthusiastic group of student-athletes. I cannot wait to begin building upon the foundation of solid tradition, with the goal of leading the program to new successes."
 
Prior to her time at LIU, she spent a season as an assistant coach at La Salle University, a year as a graduate assistant at Central Michigan University and a season as an assistant coach at Immaculata University.
 
Govannicci's coaching career began as the varsity assistant and junior varsity head coach at Cardinal O'Hara High School, followed by a stint at Conestoga High School, before moving on to the collegiate level.
 
A native of Springfield, Pennsylvania, Govannicci was a four-year letter-winner at Cardinal O'Hara and graduated as the program's all-time leading scorer.