Nancy Stevens retires after 30 seasons as UConn field hockey coach
Nancy Stevens, the winningest coach in NCAA field hockey history and leader of the UConn field hockey program for the past 30 seasons, has announced her retirement as head coach of the Huskies, effective September 1.
Stevens' long-time assistant coach, Paul Caddy, has been named as her successor and Stevens will remain involved with the program as a volunteer assistant coach.
"After 43 years as a collegiate coach, I have decided to announce my retirement. It has been my great privilege to lead the UConn Huskies for the past 30 years and I look forward to supporting our remarkable student-athletes as their volunteer assistant coach this year.
"Paul Caddy and Cheri Schulz have supported my efforts for the past twenty years and I am eager to return that loyalty and support as Paul leads our program going forward. I am thrilled that one of the top field hockey minds in the country has been named head coach of the UConn Huskies. Paul will work tirelessly to keep our program among the nation's elite and consistently chase championships in the seasons ahead."
"I was given opportunities to coach at four amazing institutions: UConn, Northwestern, Penn State and Franklin & Marshall. Working with bright and talented student-athletes has been a source of great joy and for that I will remain incredibly grateful. They have enriched my life immeasurably.''
Stevens led the Huskies to three national championships (2013, 2014 and 2017) and helped revive a program to elite status in Division I field hockey. Under Steven's tutelage, the Huskies reached the last 17 NCAA Tournaments and advanced to 10-consecutive NCAA Quarterfinals. Stevens finishes her career with an all-time record of 700-189-24 and is the only coach in the history of the sport to reach the 700-win plateau.
"Nancy has had a legendary career and has positively impacted countless student-athletes," director of athletics David Benedict said. "UConn field hockey has been a tremendous source of pride for the university community for decades and we are all grateful to Nancy for her leadership.''
Under Stevens, UConn appeared in 24 NCAA tournaments, reached 18 NCAA quarterfinals and 10 NCAA semifinals.
— Day staff reports