HAWK HILL – Saint Joseph's field hockey head coach Sam Brown has announced the addition of Brandi Ritz to the Hawk coaching staff.  She joins assistant coaches Maggie Dickman and Beth Riley on Brown's inaugural staff at Ellen Ryan Field.  Ritz joins the Hawks with vast coaching experience at the high school, club, and collegiate levels.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Brandi Ritz to our coaching staff," Brown said.  "Brandi has built a tremendous reputation through her success with the Academy of Notre Dame program and brings a proven history of developing winning teams and strong student-athletes.  Beyond her experience, she brings incredible energy, positivity, and a coaching style that will allow her to connect naturally with our players and help elevate our team culture every day.  Her background and perspective complement our staff extremely well, and I believe we have built a balanced, experienced, and well-rounded group that will provide an outstanding experience for our student-athletes."
 
"I am excited to join the Hawk family and contribute to the continued success of the Saint Joseph's field hockey program," Ritz said.  "Sam's leadership, vision, and experience make this an exciting opportunity to help build on that foundation.  I look forward to bringing my experience to Hawk Hill and working alongside Sam, Maggie, Beth, and the team this fall."
 
Ritz has spent the past three seasons as the head coach at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, where she led the team to three Inter-Ac titles as well as PAISAA state championships in and a number one national ranking in both 2023 and 2025.  She was named the MAX Field Hockey National and Regional Coach of the Year in 2023 as well.
 
Previously, she spent three seasons as an assistant coach and adjunct professor at Montclair State University after a two-year stint at the Stevens Institute of Technology, where she was an assistant for both the field hockey and women's lacrosse programs.  She served in a similar role as a graduate assistant at New England College as well while working on her MBA.
 
At the club level, Ritz was previously the Vice President of Operations at PowerHouse Field Hockey; she currently serves as an associate director and head coach at Blue Star Field Hockey.  Ritz also holds a Level II Coaching Certification from USA Field Hockey.
 
During her time at Notre Dame de Namur, Ritz was joined on the staff by Hawk alumna Nicholl Fenton '21, who serves as an assistant coach with the program.
 
"Brandi embodies everything that is Saint Joseph's field hockey," Fenton said.  "I could not be happier for her to join the program.  Her ability to make lasting connections on and off the field is extremely valuable and will elevate the 'whole person' approach Hawk Hockey strives for.  Her attention to detail is unmatched and I am excited to see her extensive knowledge in action at the collegiate level!"
 
Ritz is a 2014 graduate of Daniel Webster College, where she was a five-sport athlete.  She served as the captain of the field hockey team and was a member of the 2010 NECC conference championship squad.  A native of Burlington, New Jersey, she later earned her MBA from New England College in 2016.