Crystal Carper is in her first year as a new assistant coach for field hockey at Longwood University during 2004-05. Carper previously was an assistant coach at James Madison University during 2003-04.
"I am really excited that we have been able to attract such a high caliber candidate for this position," said Joel. "Crystal is tremendously well qualified having played for historically the best Division I program in the country, and having experience at the Division I level in coaching also.
"The drive and determination she will bring will do much to assist the difficult transition the team has to make both in the strength of the competition it will face, and the change in playing surface from natural grass to artificial turf."
Carper was a four-year team member, and three-year starter, at Old Dominion University. She helped the Monarchs to a pair of NCAA Division I National Championships in 1998 and 2000 as ODU compiled a record of 80-11 during her playing career. Carper was a second-team All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) selection in 2000, also earning All-CAA Tournament Team honors that year. The Monarchs were CAA Champions during all four years (1998-01).
"Due to my experiences thus far, I feel confident that I have the ability and drive to help propel the field hockey program to success as they embark on the exciting challenge of Division I competition," explained Carper. "I look forward to easing the transition and doing everything I possibly can to ensure success."
Prior to her one year at JMU, Carper was a marketing coordinator for DITA in Ashland, responsible for East Coast Sales. She also served as an assistant coach at Stafford High School, her alma mater, during 2002. She helped coach Stafford to Virginia Group AAA Regional and District Championships, and into the State Tournament Quarterfinals. Carper was also a field hockey official for Virginia AAA and AA high school contests that year.
A native of Fredericksburg, Carper was a three-sport standout at Stafford High where she was both the Washington Post and Free Lance-Star 'Player of the Year' as a senior. A multiple All-District choice in field hockey, basketball, and soccer, she is the fifth all-time leading field hockey scorer in Virginia High School history. Carper is also Stafford's all-time assist leader in basketball.
A Dean's List student-athlete at Old Dominion, Carper earned her bachelor of science in recreation leisure studies with an emphasis on commercial recreation, and minored in marketing.
