Smithfield, RI -- Bryant University Vice President Athletics & Recreation
Bill Smith announced Kellie Joyce as the next head coach of the Bulldog field hockey program on Thursday.
Joyce, who spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach at Cornell, will assume the role effective March 31. She becomes the sixth head coach in Bryant field hockey history.
"The future of Bryant field hockey is bright and we are excited to have Kellie Joyce lead our program going forward," Smith said. "Coach Joyce brings a wealth of experience, both as a coach and a player, and has a strong background in connecting and mentoring young women. We have no doubt that she'll take our program to the next level."
While at Cornell, Joyce helped the Big Red reach the top 25 in both 2022 and 2023, climbing as high as No. 17 in the NFHCA poll during the 2023 season. Under her tutelage, Cornell led the nation in scoring average (3.21), assists per game (3.65) and points per game (10.47) in 2023, setting single season Cornell records in the process. Joyce helped develop Caroline Ramsey into the first two-time All-American in Cornell history.
"I would like to sincerely thank VP of Athletics and Recreation
Bill Smith and the members of the search committee for the privilege of leading the Bryant Field Hockey program," Joyce said. "I am honored by this opportunity and look forward to supporting both current and future Bryant student-athletes in reaching new heights academically, personally and athletically. Additionally, I am incredibly grateful for the many exceptional coaches I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career. Andy Smith, Robin Balducci, and Diane Madl have each been instrumental as mentors and role models. I would not be where I am today without all of their guidance and support along the way. I am excited for this journey and can't wait to join the Bulldog family!"
Prior to her time at Cornell, Joyce spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Providence College, including the final year as the top assistant. The Friars posted a pair of double-digit wins seasons and reached the Big East Tournament twice.
Joyce is familiar with the America East, spending one season as an assistant coach at New Hampshire following an All-American career from 2011-2014. As a student-athlete at New Hampshire, Joyce started all 85 games for the Wildcats and recorded 11 goals and 23 assists for 45 points. Her 23 assists are tied for seventh-most in program history.
Joyce earned Longstreth/NFHCA Third-Team All-America honors as a senior in 2014. During her career, she also was a three-time America East All-Conference selection (2012-14) and was tabbed an NFHCA All-Northeast Region First-Team honoree (2014). She also excelled in the classroom, earning America East Academic Honor Roll and NFHCA All-Academic Squad recognition.
Upon completion of her collegiate career, Joyce trained with the U.S. Women's National Team in 2015, during which time she traveled to England to compete in a four-game series. She was a member of the U.S. Development Team until 2017.
Joyce's playing career also extended overseas, where she was a member of the Royal Pungouin Hockey Club's elite team in Nivelles, Belgium from Aug. 2016 through Apr. 2017. In May, Joyce was named to the 2019-20 U.S. Women's National Indoor Team.
What they are saying about Kellie Joyce:
Diane Madl - Head Coach at Providence College
"Bryant is not only getting a talented young coach, but, even more importantly, a great human being. Kellie is extremely knowledgeable and caring combined. She is always looking to find ways of being better, which instills a growth mindset in her players as well. Her holistic approach serves this generation of athletes very well. I'm excited to see her success in this next chapter."
Robin Balducci - Head Coach at New Hampshire
"Kellie Joyce is one of the good young coaches in Division I. She is more than ready to lead her own program. I am excited Kellie will be joining the America East Conference and confident she will build a winning culture at Bryant."
