Reading, Pa. (May 7, 2026) - Alvernia University Director of Athletics and Recreation Cory Beddick announced on Thursday the hiring of Cody Savitsky as Alvernia University's next head coach of the field hockey program.

Savitsky joins Alvernia following two seasons as the assistant coach for Lehigh University, an NCAA Division I member of the Patriot League. Savitsky, who will be Alvernia's fifth Head Field Hockey Coach, succeeds Laura Gingrich, who announced her retirement following a 27 year career earlier this spring.

"We are fired up to announce Cody Savitsky as our new Head Field Hockey Coach," said Beddick. "Cody rose to the top of an extremely talented candidate pool with a clear vision for elevating our program."

Savitsky's coaching career has spanned all three NCAA Divisions. She got her start at Division III Washington College in Maryland as an assistant coach. Following two years at Washington, Savitsky spent nearly three years at Division II University of New Haven in Connecticut as an assistant coach. Since then, she has spent four years at NCAA Division I as an assistant, first for two years at Kent State University before spending the last two years back in Pennsylvania at Lehigh.

"I am super excited and grateful to become the next head field hockey coach of Alvernia University and lead this program," said Savitsky. "It was clear in my first conversations with Alvernia that they are an institution that truly values not only the athletic experience, but also the people, community, and the overall student-athlete experience - all of which align with me and my coaching philosophy." 

In the last two years at Lehigh, Savitsky coached under Head Coach Kelsi Lykens. During that time, the Mountain Hawks earned five All-Patriot League honors, two Academic All-Patriot League honors, and two NFHCA All-Region honors. In her day-to-day role with Lehigh, Savitsky assisted with practice plans and game strategies. She also supported student-athletes on and off the field, and assisted with recruiting and evaluation. 

"Coach Savitsky's tactical knowledge, recruiting ability, and diversified experience across all levels of NCAA Field Hockey made her an outstanding choice to lead us forward," added Beddick.  

Prior to Lehigh, Savitsky spent two seasons with Kent State University in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). During Savitsky's time at Kent State, the Golden Flash had two eight-win seasons. In 2022 they finished tied for first in the MAC with a 6-1 conference record. In 2023, they went 5-2 for a third place regular-season MAC finish and finished the postseason as the MAC runners-up. Savisty assisted in practice and game planning for the Golden Flash, and also assisted in recruiting. During the spring of 2024, Savitsky served as the Interim Head Coach for Kent State's spring season.

Before Kent State, Savitsky spent two and a half years and one traditional season with Lykens at Division II University of New Haven. After the cancellation of the Fall 2020 season, New Haven returned to action to go 10-10 in 2021 with a 8-5 record in Northeast-10 play. The Chargers made their first ever postseason appearance and advanced on to a semifinal appearance after a first-round upset win. The Chargers also earned four All-Conference selections that season.

Savitsky got her collegiate coaching career started at Division III Washington College in the Centennial Conference. 

"I cannot wait to get started and to begin building relationships with the student-athletes, administrators, campus community, and alumni," said Savitsky. "Through these relationships, my goal is to foster an environment where student-athletes feel challenged and supported both on and off the field."

"With a strong group of current and incoming student-athletes, we are excited for the impact Coach Savitsky will have in developing the team both on and off the field," said Beddick. "We are excited for the leadership, energy, and culture she will bring to the program."

Savitsky, formerly Hunsicker, had a successful playing career at Division I Lafayette in Easton, Pennsylvania. She was a three-year starter for the Leopards and earned All-Patriot League honors her senior season. Hunsicker graduated from Lafayette with a Bachelor's in Biology in 2018. She received her Master's in Sport Management from the University of New Haven.

"I would like to thank Cory Beddick and the rest of the search committee for trusting me with this opportunity," said Savitsky. "I am extremely grateful for their belief in me and my vision for the program. I would also like to thank the previous coaches and players that I have had the opportunity to work with throughout my coaching career. They have helped shape me into the coach I am today."

Originally from Berks County, Savitsky graduated from Tulphehocken High School and was a four-year starter and three year captain. She earned both All-County and All-State honors during her high school career.

"I believe we have a special group that is ready to commit, put in the work, and grow together," added Savitsky. "This program has the potential to be great and I look forward to getting to work."

Savitsky will get started with Alvernia later this month.