Alyssa Parker has been appointed as the new head coach of the James Madison University (JMU) field hockey program, according to an announcement by Director of Athletics Matt Roan on April 15.
The hiring is significant for JMU’s field hockey team as it follows the long tenure of former coach Christy Morgan. The university sought a leader who could continue building on past successes and guide the team into its next chapter.
Roan said, “We worked deliberately and diligently in this national search to ensure that we identified the right fit to lead our program forward and to build on the long and successful tenure of Coach Christy Morgan. I am confident we have done just that, and I am thrilled to welcome Alyssa to this special JMU community. Alyssa brings with her championship-level experience throughout her playing and coaching career. Her passion for the sport and our student-athletes, as well as her recruiting pedigree, will be extremely beneficial to the trajectory of our program. She possesses all the traits and characteristics we were looking for, and we look forward to the mark she’ll make here. I’d like to especially thank Associate Athletic Director and Sport Administrator Stephen LaPorta, for his effort and commitment in leading the search process. We are excited to have Alyssa, Scott, and their family join us in the Valley as proud members of the JMU family!”
Parker expressed gratitude upon her appointment: “I am deeply honored to become the Head Field Hockey Coach at James Madison University,” she said. “This program is filled with remarkable individuals, and I’m excited to support their development as people, students, and athletes. What makes JMU so special is the combination of academic excellence, athletic ambition, and a community that leads with kindness. The Shenandoah Valley already feels like home. I want to thank President Jim Schmidt, Matt Roan, Stephen LaPorta, and the hiring committee for their trust. And I’m especially grateful to Christy Morgan for the culture she has built over the past 21 seasons—one that I’m proud to continue. My husband Scott and our son Parker are thrilled to join the JMU family! Let’s go Dukes!”
Before joining JMU, Parker served five seasons as assistant coach at Virginia where she contributed each year toward NCAA Women’s Field Hockey Championship appearances—including two quarterfinals berths—and helped reach semifinals in 2023.
Her experience also includes coordinating recruiting efforts such as signing MAX Field Hockey’s No. 1 class in 2025 while at Virginia; managing opponent scouting; video analysis; serving as FIH World Hockey Camp Coach; coaching within USA Field Hockey’s Olympic development pathway Nexus; prior collegiate coaching at Saint Joseph’s during 2020-21; international play with Team USA including a bronze medal at Pan American Games (2019); collegiate championships at Maryland (2012-15); high school records set at Glenelg High School; induction into multiple halls of fame.
The transition marks a new era for JMU field hockey under Parker’s leadership.
