Longwood head field hockey coach Iain Byers announced the addition of Laura Powell, a former standout of Ball State and Appalachian State, to his staff for the 2019 season.
Powell joins a Longwood team that’s coming off a season of .500 or better for the third straight year, securing their third straight top-three finish in the MAC and finishing second in the conference in both goals per game and goals against average.
“Laura is a great addition to our staff, she brings a wealth of knowledge with her, and is an amazing person. I’ve known her since her playing days and have seen her grow and develop as a coach. We’re excited to help continue that growth and development,” Byers said.
A former two-time team captain at Appalachian State, Powell joins the Lancers from fellow Mid-American Conference (MAC) foe Central Michigan where she assisted with all facets of a program.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Longwood field hockey family. Coming back to the East Coast is great, and working with this staff is a privilege. Iain has built a solid program that I have competed against as both a player and a coach, and I’m excited to be working alongside him this upcoming season,” Powell said.
Prior to her time with Central Michigan, Powell served as an assistant coach for Queens University of Charlotte. In her three seasons with the Royals, Powell helped lead the inaugural team to nine wins in its first season, while assisting with all facets of the program.
Powell starred at Ball State and Appalachian State, playing three seasons with the Mountaineers and serving as a team captain in her junior and senior seasons. She started 52 of 57 career games for Appalachian State, graduating in 2015 with a bachelor of science degree.
Beginning her collegiate career at Ball State, Powell started in all 20 games in 2011 and ranked second on the team in goals and assists while ranking sixth in the NCAA in defensive saves.
In addition, Powell was invited to try out for the United States senior women's national team in 2016.
She received her masters of arts degree in sports and athletic administration from Gonzaga University in 2018.
