Ritz excited to join staff at Stevens

A few years ago and just a few weeks before the season began Brandi Ritz became the field hockey coach at Robbinsville High.

It didn’t take long to realize Ritz was a pretty good coach and a great motivator of young women as the Ravens reached the sectional final despite very short time to get acquainted.

From there it was onto New England College as a graduate assistant as she gained her Master’s Degree and some college coaching experience.

“I learned so many new coaching techniques,” said Ritz of her time at New England. “I definitely learned some valuable lessons there. Probably one that I will carry with me the rest of my career.”

Ritz is coming back home to Jersey as an assistant at Stevens Institute of Technology.

“I knew that Stevens was a notable institution with an amazing athletics program,” said Ritz. “Opportunities like this one do not come by often and I’m extremely grateful to have the chance to pursue a career that I love.”

It’s a few steps up the career ladder from Robbinsville, but the experience — and the players — are something Ritz will always carry with her.

“Robbinsville field hockey impacted my life greatly,” said Ritz. “I am so glad that Ritz a portion of my career was coaching those young ladies. I often become speechless when I’m asked about coaching there, because I wish I’d never left.”

JennaMarie Colicchia, the current Ravens coach, was Ritz’s assistant and they both began just a week before the opening of the preseason.

“The entire field hockey program showed so much dedication to not only the sport, but to each other,” said Ritz. “Overall, I wanted to push the girls to pursue their dreams and to my surprise they were pushing me to pursue mine, as well.”

Ritz will be a great addition to the Stevens staff.

“I am thrilled to have Brandi join the staff of Stevens field hockey,” said Stevens head coachMeredith Spencer-Blaetz. “She’s demonstrated a passion for the game and her experience at both high school and collegiate level will make her an integral part of all aspects of the program. Her commitment to athletics and field hockey is certain to help bring our program to the next level.”

The Ducks open the season on Sept. 1st against The College of New Jersey, which has freshman Jessica Allen on its roster. Allen, an All-Trentonian performer, played for Ritz at Robbinsville.

“TCNJ’s program is well renowned so I’m ecstatic to play them in our season opener,” said Ritz. “Jessica Allen is a freshman and I was honored with the privilege of coaching her at Robbinsville. Allen has such determination and commitment. I am so proud that she has decided to continue playing on the collegiate level. TCNJ is lucky to have her.”