Field Hockey
- Title:
- Head Coach
- Email:
- hhefner@kent.edu
Heather Hefnerย is entering her second season at the helm after being named the eighth head coach in Kent State Field Hockey program history in May 2024.
In Hefnerโs first season as head coach in 2024, the Flashes posted a 7-12 overall record, finishing fourth in the MAC at 5-3. In the MAC tournament, Kent State recorded a 1-0 overtime win over five-seed Ball State in the quarterfinal before falling 3-2 in the semifinal to one-seed James Madison. Hefner earned her first career win as a head coach with a 1-0 victory over Ball State in the teamโs MAC opener at Murphy-Mellis Field. Hefnerโs inaugural team featured four players who earned All-MAC honors.
Hefner cameย to Kent State from Liberty University, where she served as an assistant coach since the spring of 2018. During her time with the Flames, Liberty made the 2021 NCAA title game, won three Big East regular season titles, and two tournament championships. Working primarily with defenders, Liberty finished no lower than 11thย in the NCAA in goals against average in each of the last four seasons. She also coached two BIG EAST Defenders of the Year, one Co-Defender of the Year, and one Goaltender of the Year.
She got her coaching start as a volunteer assistant at the University of Delaware for the 2017 season. In her lone season with the Blue Hens, Delaware won the CAA and advanced to the NCAA tournament. With Hefner on staff, Delaware ranked in the top tenย in goals against average, save percentage, and defensive saves.
"I am absolutely thrilled to take the helm and shepherd this team into Kent State field hockey's next chapter, motivating and empowering these young women to excel not only as champions but as individuals of character. I firmly believe the best is yet to come, and I cannot wait to embark on this journey alongside these student-athletes," Hefner added.
Hefner was a four-year defender at Wake Forest, making 76 appearances and 48 starts in her career. She was a three-time NFHCA All-Academic team honoree. The Demon Deacons won the 2014 ACC Championship, and she was named co-captain for the 2016 season. She also received Wake Forest's Maria Whitehead Award, given by the team and coaches to the player who shows the most resiliency, passion, leadership, and sacrifice.
What they are saying about Heather Hefner:
"Heather is extremely well suited to step into the head coaching role at Kent State. She helped shepherd our defense at Liberty and majorly contributed to the program becoming a consistent top-10 fixture in the country. Heather understands what it takes to win at the highest level. As great as Heather is on the field, she is an even more outstanding person. KSU could not have hired a more compassionate and competitive human to lead the program into their next chapter. We will miss her greatly but look forward to seeing her flourish!"
-Nikki Parsley-Blocker, Head Coach Liberty University
"I'm incredibly excited for Heather and Kent State. Heather has an unparalleled set of guiding principles. Her integrity combined with her honest and transparent mode of communication will blend well with those working around her and in her recruiting efforts. Additionally, Heather understands and respects the significance of coaching the whole athlete. She will teach, inspire and lead these young women along their short goals while supporting them through their long-term aspirations."
โJen Averill, Head Coach Wake Forest University
"Kent State not only hit a home run with this hire but a grand slam in my mind!! Heather is an upstanding person filled with amazing character and care! Heather is an outstanding coach who lifts her players up through her knowledge and inspiration! She will do great things at Kent State and most importantly she will inspire young women to be champions of their lives! Great, great hire!"
โChristy Morgan, Head Coach at James Madison University
"Heather Hefner is a dynamic leader and coach. Her ability to motivate and connect with her athletes is unparalleled. The future of Kent State Field Hockey is bright with her at the helm."
-Kristie Beitz, Sr. Associate AD Liberty University
