OWINGS MILLS, Md. (Field Hockey) - After ten years of leading the Field Hockey program at Stevenson University, Coach Laurel Martin is stepping down and retiring, effective January 14, 2022.
An Olympian and a member of the United States Field Hockey Association Hall of Fame, Martin was named the seventh head coach in program history in August 2011.
"I would like to thank Stevenson and LVC for giving me the opportunity to provide for my family and stay active in the sport that I love," said Martin. "Field Hockey has given me so much joy over the years. The community is small but mighty! I can't begin to express how much I have grown from this sport and through this sport. A special thank you to my family and loved ones, my coaches, my field hockey colleagues, my assistant coaches, and of course all of the players (and their parents) that I have had the opportunity to coach. You all mean the world to me. I will miss all of you – I will miss the "team"."
It is time for me now to rest, she continued." "To spend more time with my loved ones and to enjoy moments. I look forward to this new chapter and am hopeful to stay in touch in many ways with my field hockey community. In closing, I would like to quote my high school coach and fellow club teammate – "love the game"."
Throughout her time with the Mustangs, Coach Martin has compiled a record of 82-107-1 during her ten-year run as head coach. In 2015, the program reached its first-ever conference title game finishing the season with 14 wins. Prior to 2015, Martin led the Mustangs to an ECAC Mid-Atlantic Championship in 2014 with a 2-1 overtime win over Arcadia.
During Martin's tenure with the Mustangs, she has coached an NFHCA Division III All-American, one Synapse Sports All-American, three NFHCA All-South Region players, and one ECAC Mid-Atlantic Region All-Star. She has coached 32 MAC Commonwealth All-Conference award winners and one MAC Commonwealth Player of the Year. Martin's team has also had a number of academic successes. Martin has coached, one Capital Academic All-District player, three MAC Academic All-Conference members, seven NFHCA Scholars of Distinction, and 144 NFHCA National Academic Squad members. Her team has also been awarded nine NFHCA National Academic Team awards.
"Thank you Laurel for the ten years of Field Hockey leadership and SAAC mentorship at Stevenson," said Stevenson Director of Athletics Brett Adams. "Your tenure is very appreciated. A highlight for me was watching my daughter Emma Adams '20 play alongside your two daughters, Kali and Noel. Thank you for the great experience you gave to so many Stevenson athletes. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement."
Prior to coming to Stevenson University, Martin served as the head field hockey coach at Lebanon Valley from 2001-2010. During her ten years with the Dutchmen, the team compiled a record of 169-50. Lebanon Valley appeared in the NCAA Division III tournament six times including two semifinal and four quarterfinal berths. In 2006, the Dutchmen were Commonwealth Conference Champions. In 2006 and 2007, Martin was named NFHCA Regional Coach of the Year. At Lebanon Valley she coached, 28 All-Region and 15 All-American selections along with three Commonwealth Conference Players of the Year and three Rookie of the Year award winners.
Martin also had a list of achievements during her own field hockey playing career. Martin was a three-time All-American at the University of North Carolina and led the Tar Heels to the 1989 National Championship. In 1994, Martin was a member of the U.S. National Team in the World Cup. In 1996, Martin competed in the Olympics held in Atlanta and competed in the Pan-American Games held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.