Alicia Govannicci ‘14 was named Rider's sixth Field Hockey Head Coach in February of 2023. Govannicci returns to Rider, where she played for the Broncs for four seasons and was a part of teams that won back-to-back-to-back NEC Championships in 2010, ‘11, and ‘12, earning Second-Team All-NEC honors as a junior and First-Team All-MAAC honors as a senior. She announced her resignation following the 2024 season.
Govannicci was named NEC Coach of the Year in 2024, guiding the Broncs to the two-seed in the NEC Tournament. The Broncs were well represented in the major awards with freshman Olivia Machiavelli selected as NEC Offensive Player and Rookie of the Year with senior Lyric Scott being named NEC Midfielder of the Year. Joining the duo on the All-NEC First Team were juniors Valeria Perales and Megan Normile.
In her first season as head coach in 2023, Govannicci lead the Broncs to a tie for a third-place finish in the NEC, garnering First-Team All-NEC honors for Valeria Perales and Lyric Scott with freshman Willemijn Ephraim claiming Second-Team All-NEC honors.
“It is exciting to welcome Alicia home as our next coach,” said Harnum. “She was a tenacious competitor and winner during her time wearing the Rider uniform, and has been preparing for this opportunity throughout her coaching journey. Rider Field Hockey has a history of success due to talented players and a special family atmosphere and positive culture. It became apparent throughout the search process that Alicia is the right person to lead this proud program.”
Most recently Govannicci has been an assistant coach at NEC rival LIU, where she helped the Sharks reach the NEC Championship Game in 2021. In two seasons, Govannicci has overseen five All-NEC players.
"I am extremely thrilled and grateful to be able to return ‘home’ to Rider University as the new Head Field Hockey Coach,” said Govannicci. “I would like to thank Don Harnum, Karin Torchia, and the current team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to take leadership over a program that has always meant so much to me. As a Rider Field Hockey alum, I know how special this program is, and I will work to maintain its longstanding legacy of success. I am excited to share my passion, knowledge, and love for the game with such a hard-working, talented, and enthusiastic group of student-athletes. I cannot wait to begin building upon the foundation of solid tradition, with the goal of leading the program to new successes."
Prior to her time at LIU, she spent a season as an assistant coach at La Salle University, a year as a graduate assistant at Central Michigan University, and a season as an assistant coach at Immaculata University.
Govannicci’s coaching career began as the varsity assistant and JV head coach at Cardinal O’Hara High School, followed by a stint at Conestoga High School, before moving on to the collegiate level.
A native of Springfield, Pa., Govannicci was a four-year letterwinner at Cardinal O’Hara and graduated as the program’s all-time leading scorer.
| Year |
Overall |
Conf. Record |
Postseason |
Notes |
| 2023 |
7-11 |
4-3 |
|
|
| 2024 |
10-9 |
6-2 |
NEC Tournament |
NEC Coach of the Year |
| Total |
17-20 |
10-5 |
|
|
