Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Gina Stephan graphic
Sam Herr

Gina Stephan Hired as First Field Hockey Coach in JCU History

| By: JCUSID

Stephan is a veteran head coach with a reputation of program building

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – John Carroll Field Hockey has a new leader.

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

Leading the way for the new program will be an experienced head coach: Gina Stephan. 

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

"I am very excited to welcome Gina 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 5-year stint at Bridgewater, including four seasons as the head coach. She arrived to 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. 

Stephan will begin in the role immediately, hitting the ground running in recruiting to fill the roster for the team's debut as the 25th varsity sport at John Carroll in Fall 2026. 

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Gina and her wonderful family to University Heights and into the community of Blue Streaks," said Polian.

The coaching staff at John Carroll is glad to welcome her aboard, as well. JCU Women's Lacrosse Head Coach Kelsey Shewbridge, who spoke with Stephan during the interview process, came away impressed.

"Gina has such good energy about her. I quickly got the sense she's a strong role model for young women and absolutely has the student-athletes' best interests at heart," said Shewbridge. "She is a great fit for the direction JCU is heading, an uphill trajectory both academically and athletically. Gina is locked in to student-athlete growth and development, and I look forward to brainstorming ideas and working together in the department."

Stephan has a growing family, as she is married to her husband, Alex, with a 11-month-old daughter, Paige. Stephan is ready to get to work and build a strong foundation for years to come. 

"I'm very excited to hit the ground running," said Stephan. "The future is bright at John Carroll, and I can't wait to recruit the first generation of field hockey student-athletes at JCU." 

Recruit Me
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Now Playing:

Related Stories

Sponsors