Bio

Jillian Coppola was named the fifth head coach in program history on August 10, 2021. She enters her third season in Smithfield in 2023-24.

Coppola comes to Smithfield after spending 10 seasons as an assistant coach at Brown University.

The Bulldogs made incredible strides in Coppola's second season, putting together one of their best seasons in the last decade. Bryant finished 5-14, with the five wins marking the most since 2013 (11). The Black and Gold's success was fueled by one of the best offensive seasons in program history as they scored 30 goals, the most since 2013. Natalie Griffin was named to the America East All-Rookie team, while Brittany Gouws became just the third different player in school history to post 20+ points (8g, 6a). 

Bryant went 2-16 in Coppola's first year in 2021. The Bulldogs, however, found plenty of success on the field and in the classroom. Marijn Jaarsma had a historic year between the pipes, becoming the first player in 11 years to earn NEC Goalkeeper of the Year and NEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in the same season. Jaarsma made a single-season record 202 saves and was named to the Division I NFHCA Senior Team, a first in the program. In addition, Taryn Rauff (first team) and Brittany Gouws (second team) earned All-NEC honors. Academically, Bryant placed 13 players on the NFCHA National Academic squad and had 14 named to the NEC Academic Honor Roll.

Coppola has guided 28 players to All-Ivy honors during her tenure at Brown. In addition to their success on the field, the Bears were recognized by the NFHCA for posting the nation's top grade point average (2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018) during her tenure.

Prior to her time at Brown, Coppola spent five seasons as an assistant coach at Western New England in Springfield, Mass.

A 2006 graduate of Western New England with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish, Coppola completed a Master of Education Degree at Springfield College in 2008. In five seasons with the Golden Bears, Coppola assisted in all aspects of coaching the team, while primarily working with training and evaluating the team's goalies. In addition to her responsibilities at Western New England, Coppola was also the Head Goalie Coach for the Massachusetts Futures Region 2H,I,N and coached with the Seekers Field Hockey Club.

A native of Plymouth, Massachusetts, Coppola was a four-year starter in goal for Western New England from 2002-2005, serving as a two-time captain for the Golden Bears. For her career, Coppola posted a 1.68 goals against average and a .814 save percentage, while compiling 16 shutouts.

What they are saying about Jillian Coppola:

"I'm happy for Jillian and the Bryant Bulldogs because they've selected a great leader. Jillian's dedication to the game and student-athlete development is tremendous. She will be greatly missed here at Brown but she is ready for this new and exciting challenge."

Jill Reeves, Former Head Coach at Brown University

"I am thrilled to hear that Jillian was appointed as Bryant's head coach. Her attention to detail, organization, immense passion and knowledge for the game will serve her and her program well as she takes the lead of the Bulldogs. I have full confidence that Jillian's energetic coaching style and bright new ideas will take her program to new heights. We are excited to welcome her to the Northeast Conference."

Maria Bettiana Ceretta, Head Coach at Saint Francis University