Bryant elevates Gebhart to Field Hockey head coach

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University Athletics is pleased to announce Interim Field Hockey Coach Laura Gebhart has been officially named head coach of the Bulldog Field Hockey program. The announcement was made today by Director of Athletics Bill Smith.

Gebhart, who served an assistant coach under former coach Joppe de Vries in 2019, was appointed interim coach in May following de Vries' decision to step down.

"We are so happy to officially name coach Gebhart head coach of our field hockey program," said Smith.  "She has a tremendous pedigree as a coach and as a player and will be a tremendous leader for our program."

A 2015 graduate of Penn State, Gebhart was a four-time all-American helping lead the Nittany Lions to four-straight NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big Ten Conference Championships. 

"I'm excited to see our Bulldog Athletic program keep getting stronger this fall. Laura Gebhart is the right coach to guide our field hockey program for the future," added University President Ross Gittell.  "Her experience will ensure that we continue to recruit top student-athletes who will help us achieve success both in the classroom and on the field."

Gebhart holds the USA Field Hockey Level I & II certifications and helped implement the USA Field Hockey Futures program in both Lancaster, Pa. and Burlington, Vt.  Her involvement with USA Field Hockey dates back to 2007 as a member of the U17, U19, and U21 Junior National teams and member of the Women's National Field Hockey Team.

"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the faith the Bryant administration has placed on me to lead this program," Gebhart said. "I am inspired by the potential of this team and the current group's commitment to reshaping the culture. We're ready to do big things."

Prior to arriving at Bryant, Gebhart was an assistant coach at the University of Vermont in 2018.