MERCERSBURG, Pa. — Mercersburg Academy has named Jomara Coghlan as its next head field hockey coach. Coghlan brings nearly 20 years of collegiate coaching and teaching experience to the Storm program.
Coghlan joins Mercersburg after serving as head field hockey coach at the College of Wooster, where she led a remarkable turnaround of the program. In just two seasons, she improved the team’s winning percentage from 37 percent to 69 percent, guided the program to its first winning season in five years and established one of the nation’s top defensive units.
Prior to her time at Wooster, Coghlan spent 15 years as the head field hockey coach at Washington & Jefferson College, where she compiled a 168-89 record and led the Presidents to three conference championships and three NCAA tournament appearances. A four-time conference coach of the year, she coached numerous all-conference, all-region and All-American student-athletes.
In addition to her coaching accomplishments, Coghlan has served as a professor of physical education and wellness, teaching courses in nutrition, strength training, stress management, coaching and personal wellness.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jo to Mercersburg Academy,” said Lauren Jacobs, director of athletics. “Throughout the search process, it was clear that she is an educator at heart whose values align deeply with our mission. Jomara understands that athletics are about much more than competition — they are an opportunity to develop character, resilience, confidence and leadership. Her passion for mentoring young people and helping them realize their potential makes her an outstanding addition to our community.”
Coghlan holds a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in sport sciences from Ohio University. She is a graduate of the NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy and holds a USA Field Hockey Level 2 Coaching Accreditation.
She will begin her role this summer and will lead the Storm field hockey program into the 2026-27 season.
