Field Hockey | July 28, 2021

PHILADELPHIA - Martu Loncarica, a three-time All-American as a student-athlete at Syracuse and a member of eight NCAA Tournament teams as a player and coach, has been named the next head field hockey coach at La Salle, Director of Athletics and Recreation Brian Baptiste announced on Thursday.

"We are very excited to have Martu, her husband, Nemo, and her young son, Oliver, joining our family at La Salle," Baptiste said. "The passion Martu has for the sport of field hockey is contagious, and her resume speaks for itself. We couldn't be more thrilled for our student-athletes to have an opportunity to learn and grow under her leadership."

Loncarica comes to 20th and Olney after two seasons as the top assistant coach and associate head coach at Saint Joseph's. In 2019, the team claimed their third consecutive Atlantic 10 Championship and NCAA Tournament berth. Previously, she spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at St. Joe's, where she was a part of the coaching staff that transformed the program into one of the top teams in the A-10.

"I'm incredibly excited to join the La Salle family," Loncarica said. "I want to thank Brian and the La Salle administration for supporting my vision and values. I believe that team chemistry, authenticity and hard work are key components of a successful program. I aim to create a positive and empowering experience for the student athletes to love the sport, enjoy life and set the foundation for years to come."

Following her two years as a volunteer assistant at Saint Joseph's, Loncarica moved on to an assistant coaching position at William & Mary in 2017 season and her presence was felt immediately. The Tribe enjoyed one of the highest-scoring seasons in program history and reached the Colonial Athletic Association championship game for the first time in 15 years. The following year, the Tribe won its first-ever conference championship and returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002.

In addition to her collegiate coaching accolades, Loncarica has been a member of the coaching staff for the USA Field Hockey U-21 National Team since 2018. With the U-21 team, she assists with planning practices and evaluating players and works with the team's offensive unit, in addition to handling video analysis and serving as the squad's media contact.

A three-time All-American on the pitch, Loncarica graduated as Syracuse's all-time leader in career points with 139; she also holds the Orange's career record with 65 assists.  A team captain as a senior, she earned a Syracuse University Team Award in 2011 after being named Syracuse's Female Athlete of the Year in 2010. She was named to the Big East All-Conference Team three times as well.

Loncarica helped lead Syracuse to the Final Four and the first of three consecutive Big East Conference regular season titles as a freshman in 2008.  That same year, she set a single-season school record with 31 assists.  Her 65 points in 2008 are the second-most in a season in Syracuse history, while she also holds the single-season record for goals, assists, and points scored by a freshman.  Loncarica added a 17-assist campaign in 2009, giving her two of the five-highest single season totals in program history.

She graduated from Syracuse with a degree in nutrition, earned her master's in nutrition science from SU in 2015, and her MBA from St. Joe's. Her and her husband, Nemo, who played soccer at Syracuse, live in Manayunk with their newborn baby, Oliver.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING...
"Martu was a three-time All-American who helped lead us to our program's first-ever Final Four in 2008. She embodied the spirit and passion of our team culture at Syracuse - energy and persistence conquer all things. I have taken great pride in watching Martu transform as an athlete who only came to America for a Wendy's Baconator (she saw commercials on television in Argentina), to a student who earned two master's degrees, a mother, a partner, and now a head coach. She has grown immensely over the years as an assistant coach and as a United States Developmental Team coach. She has cultivated her passion and love for the game to the diligence and focus required to be a great coach. I am incredibly thrilled for her and excited to watch her next journey begin as the new head coach at La Salle. It brings me great joy knowing that she is a part of the Syracuse field hockey family and coaching tree."

- Ange Bradley, Head Field Hockey Coach, Syracuse University

"Since her successful playing career at Syracuse, Martu has worked hard to gain knowledge at all levels of the game. She has developed into a well-rounded college coach and one of the upcoming young coaches in the country. Her energy and love for the sport is contagious. Martu and her family are going to be a wonderful addition to the La Salle Athletic Department. "   

- Tess Ellis, Head Field Hockey Coach, College of William & Mary

"We wish Martu the best of luck as she embarks on her journey as a head coach. She is equipped, driven and will offer the Explorers a tremendous amount of leadership. Martu has a special tenacity, passion and commitment to hockey that is unparalleled. A great person and inspiring coach; she will make an immediate & everlasting impact."

- Lynn Farquhar, Head Field Hockey Coach, Saint Joseph's University

"Martu is one of the most influential field hockey coaches I have ever had. I am fortunate enough to have been coached by her during my sophomore and junior years at William and Mary, as well as for the U21 National team during our tour to Germany. My favorite thing about Martu's coaching style is her infectious energy. It doesn't matter if you are playing a game or reviewing the fundamentals, Martu will make it fun and energetic. Every day I left the pitch from a coaching session with Martu, I left a better player. She encouraged me to work my hardest and to have fun while doing it. Martu will thrive as a head coach at La Salle!"

- Christie van de Kamp, All-American student-athlete at William & Mary