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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Field Hockey New Coaches

Abby Breen ‘24, ‘26G; Lara Toranzo; and Sophie Boyages Added to Field Hockey Staff

| By: JCUSID

The trio will aid in the launch of the first-year program

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – Heading into the inaugural 2026 campaign, John Carroll Field Hockey has rounded out the coaching staff.

Head Coach Gina Stephan announced three additions to the coaching staff for the historic campaign set to begin in September.

Lara Toranzo will serve as a graduate assistant, while Sophie Boyages and Abby Breen '24, '26G will serve as volunteer assistant coaches.

"Our program is complete with the addition of Lara, Abby, and Sophie. They all possess different strengths that combined, will be incredible support and guidance for our new team," said Stephan. "I'm most excited about what our coaching staff will bring personally to the players in that we all align in our overall purpose of creating an environment that develops a growth mindset. Working together to support our athletes in the process of building our culture, standards, and goals on and off the field. I couldn't be more thankful and excited to have these three individuals as a part of our program." 

Lara Toranzo arrives in University Heights following a prolific playing career at the Division II level. Toranzo played for four seasons at Converse University in South Carolina. As a senior, Toranzo served as team captain, starting all 16 games. She was selected to the NFHCA National Academic Squad following the 2024 season.

Toranzo was an impact player from the start, playing in 18 games as a freshman (8 starts), 16 games as a sophomore (12 starts), and 18 games as a junior (13 starts) as a midfield and center back. She also earned South Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors on September 10, 2024. During her time at Converse, Toranzo worked as a human resources intern and a tutor. The Peru native acquired her Bachelor's in Psychology & Child and Family Studies. 

Sophie Boyages is no stranger to the North Coast Athletic Conference, graduating from Denison University in 2022 with a Bachelor's in Anthropology/Sociology & Studio Art. During her time at Denison, she worked as a First Year Experience and Advising Coordinator, aiding with orientation and first year student advising. After graduating, Boyages worked as a special assistant to the director of athletics at the University of Vermont from 2022-23. 

Boyages served as a varsity field hockey coach at nearby Western Reserve Academy for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Boyages is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at John Carroll. 

Abby Breen currently works at John Carroll as Assistant Director of Admission in the undergraduate admissions office. Breen oversees athletic recruitment for the admissions department. 

Breen played field hockey at West Senior High School in West Seneca, New York as well as for the Buffalo Hurricanes Club Team, coached by Stephan. Breen decided not to play field hockey in college since she fell in love with John Carroll (ultimately graduating in 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Communications), though she did coach in West Seneca in 2020. 

So, when Stephan was hired, the two reconnected. Having just completed her Master's degree in Digital Marketing and Strategic Communication, Breen decided the time was right to join Stephan's staff. 

Field Hockey will officially begin competition on September 1 at SUNY Brockport. The first home game is set for Saturday, September 12 at 12 pm. 
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