Philadelphia, PA, January 6, 2026
La Salle University has appointed Mackenzie Allessie as the new head coach for its field hockey program. Allessie is expected to elevate the team’s performance following her successful tenure at Saint Francis University. Under her leadership, La Salle aims to strengthen its competitive presence in the Atlantic 10 Conference and foster local talent in Philadelphia. This strategic move reflects the university’s commitment to excellence in athletics and community engagement.
Philadelphia, PA —
Allessie Takes Helm: La Salle Field Hockey Seeks New Heights
La Salle University ushers in a new era for its field hockey program with the appointment of decorated coach Mackenzie Allessie, signaling a commitment to athletic excellence and strategic growth. This leadership change highlights a renewed focus on competitive achievement within the Philadelphia college sports scene.
The announcement, made by La Salle University Vice President of Athletics and Recreation and Director of Athletics Ashwin Puri, positions Allessie at the forefront of the Explorers’ field hockey aspirations. Her arrival at 20th and Olney follows a remarkably successful two-year tenure at Saint Francis University, where she demonstrated a clear ability to elevate a program. This move is a testament to the university’s initiative in securing top talent to enhance its athletic offerings and underscores a broader theme of striving for excellence in college athletics in Philadelphia, PA.
Allessie’s extensive background as both a highly accomplished player and a quickly successful head coach reflects the kind of personal drive and competitive spirit that builds strong programs. Her journey exemplifies how individual perseverance can translate into tangible community and team benefits, fostering an environment of achievement and responsible growth within university programs.
Leadership Transition Signals Ambitious Future
Ashwin Puri’s Vision for Growth
La Salle University Vice President of Athletics and Recreation and Director of Athletics Ashwin Puri officially announced Mackenzie Allessie as the Explorers’ new head field hockey coach on January 5, 2026. Puri expressed confidence in Allessie, stating her proven track record as a student-athlete and her success in leading a Division I program quickly made her the ideal candidate. Puri, who began his role in July 2023, has been overseeing a transformative era for La Salle athletics, including significant capital projects and competitive advancements across various sports. His vision for growth at La Salle includes bolstering programs with strong leadership, a clear demonstration of strategic planning and investment in University of Pennsylvania PA athletics.
Allessie’s Proven Track Record
Allessie joins La Salle after two seasons as head coach at Saint Francis, where she led the Red Flash to an impressive 24-13 record, marking the program’s second-best two-year stretch in history. Under her guidance, Saint Francis tied its program record for wins in a single season with 14 overall victories and achieved a program-record eight conference wins in 2025. During her time in Loretto, she mentored five All-NEC first-team performers and two All-NEC second-team performers. Her coaching success builds upon a stellar playing career at Penn State and Ohio State, where she earned five National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-American and All-Region first-team selections. Allessie also competed with the United States national team, earning a bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games and becoming the youngest player named to the U.S. National Team in 2018. Her collegiate career included 61 goals and 45 assists for 167 points. This background underscores her deep understanding of the sport and her capacity to inspire excellence.
Impact on Philadelphia’s Sports Ecosystem
Elevating Regional Field Hockey Stature
The appointment of a coach with Allessie’s caliber is expected to significantly bolster the profile of La Salle’s field hockey program within the Atlantic 10 Conference and across the broader Philadelphia PA sports landscape. Strong university athletic programs serve as vital pillars for local sports development, providing aspirational pathways for high school athletes and enhancing the overall competitive environment. La Salle’s proactive approach in securing a proven leader like Allessie contributes directly to strengthening the regional standing of college field hockey in Philadelphia.
Fostering Local Talent and Competition
A thriving collegiate athletic program cultivates a robust pipeline for local talent. Allessie’s experience as a decorated high school athlete from Donegal High School, where she set national career records for goals and points, illustrates the potential for Pennsylvania-grown talent to achieve at the highest levels of the sport. Her leadership at La Salle can inspire young athletes across the state, encouraging greater participation and development in field hockey, thereby reinforcing community strength through competitive sports.
The Spirit of Competition and Personal Drive
Championing Entrepreneurial Spirit in Sport
Mackenzie Allessie’s rapid ascent from a standout player to a successful Division I head coach at a young age exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit in action within the athletic arena. Her career trajectory is a testament to personal initiative, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. These qualities are fundamental to responsible growth, showing how individual effort and competitive drive can lead to significant accomplishments, both personally and for the organizations one leads.
The Value of Competitive Excellence
College athletics, at its core, is a proving ground for competitive excellence. The pursuit of victory on the field, underpinned by rigorous training and strategic preparation, instills invaluable life lessons in student-athletes. Allessie’s own career, marked by national team appearances and collegiate accolades, underscores the importance of this competitive ethos. Her leadership will undoubtedly emphasize the value of hard work, discipline, and the continuous striving for self-improvement, fostering a culture where student-athletes are encouraged to maximize their potential.
University Support and Community Engagement
Strategic Investments in Athletic Programs
La Salle University’s decision to bring in a coach of Allessie’s caliber reflects a strategic investment in its athletic programs. Such investments are crucial for providing student-athletes with the resources, coaching, and environment necessary for both academic and athletic success. The university’s commitment ensures that its athletic programs can compete effectively, attracting top talent and elevating the institution’s profile. This commitment to facilities and staff, including renovations of areas like the John E. Glaser Arena, highlights the university’s dedication to supporting its student-athletes.
Building a Stronger Community Through Sport
Successful college sports programs often serve as powerful unifying forces within their communities. By fostering a sense of shared identity and pride, La Salle athletics contributes to the broader community’s well-being. The excitement surrounding a new, dynamic coach like Allessie can energize the alumni base, local fans, and prospective students, reinforcing community self-reliance and collective support for student athletics. Engaging with La Salle University PA athletics is a way for the community to actively participate in this shared endeavor.
Looking Ahead: The Explorers’ Path
Anticipating Success on the Field
With Mackenzie Allessie at the helm, La Salle field hockey anticipates an exciting future marked by competitive drive and strategic development. Her history of quickly achieving program success suggests a potential for rapid improvement and a renewed focus on winning within the Atlantic 10 Conference. The challenge of building a program and competing at a high level provides a robust framework for developing resilient and skilled student-athletes.
Building on a Foundation of Hard Work
Allessie’s coaching philosophy is expected to emphasize the foundational elements of hard work, teamwork, and individual responsibility—principles that are critical for sustained success in any competitive environment. Her experience as a player at the highest levels, including the United States national team, provides her with unique insights into what it takes to perform under pressure and achieve ambitious goals. The Explorers will undoubtedly benefit from a coach who embodies the rewards of sustained effort.
Conclusion
The appointment of Mackenzie Allessie as La Salle University’s head field hockey coach marks a significant step forward for the Explorers’ athletic program. This strategic move by Director Ashwin Puri demonstrates a clear commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, leveraging private initiative to secure top talent. Allessie’s proven record as both a player and a coach embodies the spirit of competition and perseverance essential for success.
As La Salle field hockey embarks on this new chapter, the Philadelphia community is encouraged to support its student-athletes and witness the positive impact of dedicated leadership and strategic investment in college athletics Philadelphia. Engaging with and supporting these programs not only fosters local pride but also reinforces the values of hard work, community strength, and responsible growth that are so vital to our region. Stay engaged with La Salle University PA athletics and cheer on the Explorers as they strive for new achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest news about La Salle University Field Hockey?
Mackenzie Allessie was named the Head Field Hockey Coach for La Salle University Athletics on January 5, 2026.
Who announced Mackenzie Allessie’s appointment at La Salle University?
La Salle University Vice President of Athletics and Recreation and Director of Athletics Ashwin Puri announced Mackenzie Allessie’s hiring.
Where was Mackenzie Allessie coaching before joining La Salle?
Before joining La Salle, Mackenzie Allessie served for two seasons as the head coach at Saint Francis University.
What was Mackenzie Allessie’s record at Saint Francis University?
At Saint Francis University, Mackenzie Allessie led the Red Flash to a 24-13 record over two seasons.
What significant achievements did Saint Francis Field Hockey have under Coach Allessie?
Under Mackenzie Allessie, Saint Francis tied its program record for wins in a single season with 14 overall victories and registered a program-record eight wins in conference play in 2025.
What is Mackenzie Allessie’s background as a player?
Mackenzie Allessie was a standout player at Penn State and Ohio State and competed with the United States national team, winning a bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games. She was also the youngest player named to the United States National Team in 2018.
Mackenzie Allessie Coaching & Playing Highlights
| Category | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Current Role | Head Field Hockey Coach, La Salle University | |
| Previous Coaching Role | Head Coach, Saint Francis University (2 seasons) | |
| Saint Francis Coaching Record | 24-13 overall (over two seasons) | |
| Saint Francis 2025 Season Highlight | Tied program record 14 overall wins; program record 8 conference wins | |
| Collegiate Playing Career | Penn State University & Ohio State University | |
| Collegiate Playing Stats | 61 goals, 45 assists, 167 points | |
| National Team Experience | United States National Team (since 2018), 2019 Pan American Games Bronze Medalist | |
| High School Achievements | Donegal High School: National career leader in goals (351) and points (838) |
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