Campus Overview

Alvernia University is a small, private Catholic university located in Reading, Pennsylvania, offering an intimate learning environment with approximately 1,500 undergraduate students. The university provides a close-knit academic community with personalized attention and strong Franciscan values.


Location & Setting Located in Reading, a mid-sized city in southeastern Pennsylvania, Alvernia's campus has a suburban setting with easy access to urban amenities. The campus is situated just outside the city center, providing a safe and contained environment while remaining connected to regional resources.

Campus Life As a small university, Alvernia offers a tight-knit social experience where students know each other well. On-campus housing is available, with most students living in residence halls that foster close community connections. While the school does not have a large Greek life presence, students engage through various clubs, service opportunities, and campus events.

Student Body The student population is predominantly from Pennsylvania, with a mix of local and regional students. The university attracts students interested in service-learning, healthcare, business, and education, with a collaborative and supportive academic culture. Many students are first-generation college attendees seeking hands-on learning experiences.

Academics Alvernia is known for strong programs in nursing, business, and education, with an emphasis on experiential learning and community service. The curriculum focuses on personalized education, with small class sizes and significant faculty interaction. The university maintains a moderate academic rigor with opportunities for practical, real-world experience.

Athletics & Sports Competing in NCAA Division III, Alvernia offers multiple intercollegiate sports teams with a focus on student-athlete development. While not a major athletic powerhouse, the university provides opportunities for competitive sports and emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and personal growth through athletic participation.

Lifestyle & Weather Reading experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate spring and fall periods. A car is recommended for off-campus activities, though campus is walkable. Nearby outdoor recreation includes hiking in regional parks, access to historical sites, and proximity to both urban and rural Pennsylvania landscapes.

Field Hockey (2025)

Level
D3 Unranked
Conference
Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth

School

Type
Private (Roman Catholic)
Classification
Doctoral/Professional
Common Majors:
Health Professions (56%)
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (31%)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (30%)
• Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (17%)
• Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (14%)
• Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (5%)
• Public Health (4%)
Business (13%)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (35%)
Accounting and Related Services (21%)
• Marketing (20%)
• Finance and Financial Management Services (13%)
• Human Resources Management and Services (8%)
• Business/Managerial Economics (3%)
Homeland Security (8%)
Psychology (4%)
Public Administration (4%)

Student Body

Total
2,477
Undergrad
82%
Demographics
63% women
Student:Faculty
12:1

Programs of Interest

Environmental Science
Psychology (3.8%)
Biology (3.3%)
Sports Med / Kinesiology (59.0%)
French

Academics

Admission Rate
62%
SAT Median
1,159
SAT Range
1,066-1,253
Retention
73%
Graduation
58%

Costs

In-State
$42,810
Out-of-State
$42,810
Room & Board
$15,090
Avg Net Price
$28,329
Net price = average after financial aid

Weather

Winter
Moderate
HighLow
January39°23°
April63°42°
July86°66°
October65°45°
Oct/Apr = field hockey season

Location

Setting
City (City: Small)
Nearest City
New York, NY
Distance
105 miles

Coaching Staff

Name Position Contact Bio
Laura Gingrich Head Field Hockey Coach laura.gingrich@alvernia.edu View Bio
Erin Solley Assistant Field Hockey Coach View Bio
Jen Moyer Assistant Field Hockey Coach (Goalies) View Bio
Jim Gingrich Volunteer Assistant Field Hockey Coach View Bio

Roster Breakdown

18 players

Geographic Recruiting

In-State: 72% (13 players)
US Out-of-State: 28% (5 players)
Pennsylvania: 72% (13 players)
Delaware: 17% (3 players)

Position Breakdown

Forward: 3 (16.7%)
Forward/Midfielder: 3 (16.7%)
Midfielder: 5 (27.8%)
Midfielder/Defender: 5 (27.8%)
Goalkeeper: 2 (11.1%)

Class Year Distribution

Freshman: 5 (27.8%)
Sophomore: 9 (50.0%)
Junior: 3 (16.7%)
5th Year/Grad: 1 (5.6%)

Full Roster (18 players)

# Name Position Year Height Hometown High School
2 Kiera Anspach F/M So. 5-6 Jonestown, Pa Northern Lebanon
3 Ana Jones M So. 5-4 Bangor, Pa Bangor
4 Katelyn Goodwin M Jr. 5-3 Northeast, Md Northeast
5 Sofia Mollura M/D So. 5-2 Reading, Pa Governor Mifflin
6 Lillian Case M Gr. 5-6 Reading, Pa Juniata College
7 Sarah Schaffer M/D So. 5-5 Emmaus, Pa Emmaus
8 Ava Michael F Jr. 5-5 Bloomsburg, Pa Millville
9 Alessandra Stevens M Fy. 5-5 Hanover, Pa. South Western
10 Matisyn Derkacs M Fy. 5-1 Whitehall, Pa Whitehall
11 Jennah Hershberger F/M Fy. 5-3 York, Pa Central York
15 Caroline Martin F Jr. 5-3 Holland, Pa Council Rock South
16 Jaden Fox M/D So. 5-2 Fleetwood, Pa Fleetwood
18 Hadley Lewicki F/M Fy. 5-2 Dover, Del Dover
19 Kelsy McClintock F So. 5-7 Littlestown, Pa Littlestown
20 Carley Mackert M/D So. 5-7 Milford, Del Milford
22 Natalie Parent M/D So. 5-2 Gloucester City, N.J. Gloucester City
26 Jazmin Mayfield G Fy. 5-4 Selbyville, Del. Indian River
92 Zoe Caloviras G So. 5-3 Lititz, Pa Manheim Township