University of New Hampshire Athletics
Mansfield-Lahl Named Head Field Hockey Coach
2/27/2026 6:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
Four-time All-American was UConn Associate Head Coach, Recruiting Coordinator
DURHAM, N.H. — University of New Hampshire Director of Athletics Allison Rich has announced the hiring of Sarah Mansfield‑Lahl as the new UNH head field hockey coach. A former NCAA champion goalkeeper, four‑time All‑American, and one of the nation's premier defensive and goalkeeper development minds, Mansfield‑Lahl brings more than a decade of elite coaching experience — including at UConn, Princeton, Columbia, UMass, and with USA Field Hockey — to Durham.
Mansfield-Lahl will be formally introduced in a press conference in the Service Credit Union Victory Club at Wildcat Stadium at a date to be announced.
"Sarah reflects everything we value in this department—integrity, vision, competitive excellence, and an unwavering commitment to student‑athlete success," said Rich. "Her leadership style is collaborative and authentic, and her passion to foster a championship culture is unmistakable. Sarah is the right person to build on the outstanding tradition and legacy of success of UNH Field Hockey, guide this program to new heights, engage with our proud alumnae, and attract and retain top student-athletes who will thrive at UNH and remain Wildcats for Life."
Mansfield‑Lahl joins UNH after serving as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Connecticut, where she helped guide the Huskies to 29 victories across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the 2024 Big East championship, and back‑to‑back NCAA tournament appearances, including the 2025 Elite Eight and 2024 Round of 16. She served as UConn's defensive coordinator, led all goalkeeper training, developed scouting systems, and oversaw domestic and international recruiting operations.
"Being named the head coach of UNH field hockey is an incredible honor, and I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead a program with such a proud history," Mansfield-Lahl said. "I know I am stepping into the role previously held by a true legend in Robin Balducci, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. At the same time, I'm energized by the future. I have a clear vision and a detailed plan to elevate our student‑athletes and position UNH field hockey as a perennial power in the America East with even higher aspirations. I can't wait to get to work and continue building something our entire Wildcat family can be proud of."
Mansfield‑Lahl arrives at UNH with a coaching philosophy shaped by more than 15 years of competing and coaching at the highest levels. Her approach emphasizes defensive and goalkeeper expertise, data‑driven scouting and match preparation, holistic student-athlete development, and a high‑level recruiting strategy that spans both domestic and international talent pipelines. She is also known for her ability to build strong relationships with alumni and parents, and she leads with a values‑based philosophy centered on communication, trust, and individualized mentorship. Her leadership, championship background, and technical defensive expertise position her perfectly to guide UNH into its next era of success.
In her two seasons coaching at her alma mater, Mansfield-Lahl helped guide UConn student-athletes who earned major conference honors, including Big East Offensive, Midfielder, Freshman, and Goalkeeper of the Year awards, while also mentoring two NFHCA All‑Americans and 10 All‑Region selections.
During her time at Princeton from 2022-24, she helped the Tigers secure the 2022 Ivy League championship, reach the 2023 Ivy League Tournament finals, and qualify for the NCAA tournament, all while supporting the development of a Honda Award finalist, multiple NFHCA All‑Americans, and the 2023 Ivy League Rookie of the Year.
Her single season at Columbia in 2021 yielded both NFHCA All‑Region and All‑Ivy honorees, demonstrating her ability to elevate performance quickly.
Prior to that, Mansfield-Lahl spent seven years (2014-21) at UMass and contributed to two NCAA tournament appearances, two Atlantic 10 championships, and the development of six NFHCA All‑Americans and 20 All‑Region award recipients.
Additionally, her long‑standing involvement with USA Field Hockey — including coaching roles with the U16, U18, U21, and Women's Development Teams, as well as High Performance -- further underscores her player‑development pedigree.
Before her rise through the collegiate coaching ranks, Mansfield‑Lahl was one of the most decorated goalkeepers in UConn history. She was a 2013 NCAA National Champion and team captain, became the first four‑time NFHCA All‑American in program history, was named the 2010 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, and served as the starting goalkeeper for UConn's 2011 and 2013 Final Four teams and four consecutive NCAA Tournament squads.
Internationally, she represented England Hockey at the U16, U18, and U21 levels.
Mansfield-Lahl and her husband Cody are the proud parents of son, Colton.
What They Are Saying About Sarah Mansfield-Lahl:
Paul Caddy, UConn Head Field Hockey Coach
"Sarah Mansfield-Lahl represents the very best of UConn field hockey. As our only four-time All-American, she set a standard of excellence as a player that may never be matched. What makes her even more impressive is that she returned to our program and immediately elevated it as a coach. In just two seasons back on staff, we returned to the level we expect — competing in the NCAA Tournament, ranked in the top 10, and competing for a national championship. Success follows Sarah. It's in her work ethic, her competitive drive, and her ability to connect with and inspire those around her. Sarah will always be UConn royalty. UNH is getting a great coach, but an even better person. I have no doubt their program will thrive under her leadership."
Nancy Stevens, UConn Head Coach (Retired)
"As Sarah's former collegiate coach and coaching colleague on the UConn staff, I am thrilled that she has earned this opportunity to build upon the legacy established by legendary UNH coach, Robin Balducci. Sarah's experience, expertise and passion align with the qualities that make UNH field hockey such a special program. She brings elite playing experience as an NCAA National Champion, as well as extensive coaching experience at the Division I level. Sarah possesses all the qualities that ensure success as a head coach. She will motivate, inspire and successfully prepare the Wildcats to continue to compete for championships. I am excited for both UNH field hockey and Sarah Mansfield-Lahl."
Carla Tagliente, Princeton Head Field Hockey Coach
"I am absolutely thrilled about this hire for UNH. Sarah is an exceptional coach and an even better person. I had the privilege of working with her at both UMass and Princeton, and in every environment, she elevated the program through her work ethic, hockey IQ, and ability to build meaningful relationships with her student-athletes. She has a tremendous understanding of the game, a tireless commitment to player development, and a clear vision for building a competitive and connected team culture. What has always stood out to me most is her authenticity — she leads with integrity, passion, and a genuine investment in the growth of the young women she coaches. UNH is getting a dynamic leader who will energize the program and compete at the highest level. I could not be more excited to see the impact she will have there."
UNH ALL-TIME HEAD FIELD HOCKEY COACHES
Mansfield-Lahl will be formally introduced in a press conference in the Service Credit Union Victory Club at Wildcat Stadium at a date to be announced.
"Sarah reflects everything we value in this department—integrity, vision, competitive excellence, and an unwavering commitment to student‑athlete success," said Rich. "Her leadership style is collaborative and authentic, and her passion to foster a championship culture is unmistakable. Sarah is the right person to build on the outstanding tradition and legacy of success of UNH Field Hockey, guide this program to new heights, engage with our proud alumnae, and attract and retain top student-athletes who will thrive at UNH and remain Wildcats for Life."
Mansfield‑Lahl joins UNH after serving as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Connecticut, where she helped guide the Huskies to 29 victories across the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the 2024 Big East championship, and back‑to‑back NCAA tournament appearances, including the 2025 Elite Eight and 2024 Round of 16. She served as UConn's defensive coordinator, led all goalkeeper training, developed scouting systems, and oversaw domestic and international recruiting operations.
"Being named the head coach of UNH field hockey is an incredible honor, and I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead a program with such a proud history," Mansfield-Lahl said. "I know I am stepping into the role previously held by a true legend in Robin Balducci, and I do not take that responsibility lightly. At the same time, I'm energized by the future. I have a clear vision and a detailed plan to elevate our student‑athletes and position UNH field hockey as a perennial power in the America East with even higher aspirations. I can't wait to get to work and continue building something our entire Wildcat family can be proud of."
Mansfield‑Lahl arrives at UNH with a coaching philosophy shaped by more than 15 years of competing and coaching at the highest levels. Her approach emphasizes defensive and goalkeeper expertise, data‑driven scouting and match preparation, holistic student-athlete development, and a high‑level recruiting strategy that spans both domestic and international talent pipelines. She is also known for her ability to build strong relationships with alumni and parents, and she leads with a values‑based philosophy centered on communication, trust, and individualized mentorship. Her leadership, championship background, and technical defensive expertise position her perfectly to guide UNH into its next era of success.
In her two seasons coaching at her alma mater, Mansfield-Lahl helped guide UConn student-athletes who earned major conference honors, including Big East Offensive, Midfielder, Freshman, and Goalkeeper of the Year awards, while also mentoring two NFHCA All‑Americans and 10 All‑Region selections.
During her time at Princeton from 2022-24, she helped the Tigers secure the 2022 Ivy League championship, reach the 2023 Ivy League Tournament finals, and qualify for the NCAA tournament, all while supporting the development of a Honda Award finalist, multiple NFHCA All‑Americans, and the 2023 Ivy League Rookie of the Year.
Her single season at Columbia in 2021 yielded both NFHCA All‑Region and All‑Ivy honorees, demonstrating her ability to elevate performance quickly.
Prior to that, Mansfield-Lahl spent seven years (2014-21) at UMass and contributed to two NCAA tournament appearances, two Atlantic 10 championships, and the development of six NFHCA All‑Americans and 20 All‑Region award recipients.
Additionally, her long‑standing involvement with USA Field Hockey — including coaching roles with the U16, U18, U21, and Women's Development Teams, as well as High Performance -- further underscores her player‑development pedigree.
Before her rise through the collegiate coaching ranks, Mansfield‑Lahl was one of the most decorated goalkeepers in UConn history. She was a 2013 NCAA National Champion and team captain, became the first four‑time NFHCA All‑American in program history, was named the 2010 Big East Goalkeeper of the Year, and served as the starting goalkeeper for UConn's 2011 and 2013 Final Four teams and four consecutive NCAA Tournament squads.
Internationally, she represented England Hockey at the U16, U18, and U21 levels.
Mansfield-Lahl and her husband Cody are the proud parents of son, Colton.
What They Are Saying About Sarah Mansfield-Lahl:
Paul Caddy, UConn Head Field Hockey Coach
"Sarah Mansfield-Lahl represents the very best of UConn field hockey. As our only four-time All-American, she set a standard of excellence as a player that may never be matched. What makes her even more impressive is that she returned to our program and immediately elevated it as a coach. In just two seasons back on staff, we returned to the level we expect — competing in the NCAA Tournament, ranked in the top 10, and competing for a national championship. Success follows Sarah. It's in her work ethic, her competitive drive, and her ability to connect with and inspire those around her. Sarah will always be UConn royalty. UNH is getting a great coach, but an even better person. I have no doubt their program will thrive under her leadership."
Nancy Stevens, UConn Head Coach (Retired)
"As Sarah's former collegiate coach and coaching colleague on the UConn staff, I am thrilled that she has earned this opportunity to build upon the legacy established by legendary UNH coach, Robin Balducci. Sarah's experience, expertise and passion align with the qualities that make UNH field hockey such a special program. She brings elite playing experience as an NCAA National Champion, as well as extensive coaching experience at the Division I level. Sarah possesses all the qualities that ensure success as a head coach. She will motivate, inspire and successfully prepare the Wildcats to continue to compete for championships. I am excited for both UNH field hockey and Sarah Mansfield-Lahl."
Carla Tagliente, Princeton Head Field Hockey Coach
"I am absolutely thrilled about this hire for UNH. Sarah is an exceptional coach and an even better person. I had the privilege of working with her at both UMass and Princeton, and in every environment, she elevated the program through her work ethic, hockey IQ, and ability to build meaningful relationships with her student-athletes. She has a tremendous understanding of the game, a tireless commitment to player development, and a clear vision for building a competitive and connected team culture. What has always stood out to me most is her authenticity — she leads with integrity, passion, and a genuine investment in the growth of the young women she coaches. UNH is getting a dynamic leader who will energize the program and compete at the highest level. I could not be more excited to see the impact she will have there."
UNH ALL-TIME HEAD FIELD HOCKEY COACHES
- Sarah Mansfield-Lahl 2026-
- Robin Balducci 1991-2025
- Lauren Fuchs 1988, 1990
- Marisa Didio 1983-1987; 1989
- Jean Rilling 1975-1982
SARAH MANSFIELD-LAHL COACHING CAREER — Assistant / Associate Head Coach Roles
at Connecticut
2025 (12–9, 6–1 Big East) — NCAA Elite Eight
•UConn reached the Elite Eight, defeating Wake Forest before falling to Harvard.
2024 (16–5, 6–1 Big East) — NCAA Round of 16
•Big East Regular‑Season & Tournament Champions
Total at UConn: 28–14 (12–2 Big East)
at Princeton
2023 (8–9, 5–2 Ivy) — Ivy League Tournament Finalists
2022 (13–5, 7–0 Ivy) — Ivy League Champions; NCAA Tournament
Total at Princeton: 21–14 (12–2 Ivy)
at Columbia
2021 (8–9, 1–6 Ivy)
At UMass
2020–21 (7–4, 3-2 A-10) – COVID season
2019 (10–10, 6-2 A-10) — A‑10 Semifinals
2018 (10–10, 6–2 A‑10) — A‑10 Semifinals
2017 (13–8, 6–2 A‑10) — A‑10 Runner‑Up
2016 (14–8, 6-2 A-10) — A‑10 Champions; NCAA Tournament First Round
2015 (12–9, 5-3 A-10) — A‑10 Champions; NCAA Tournament First Round
2014 (11–10, 7–1 A‑10) — A‑10 Championship Game
UMass Total (2014–2021): 77–59
PLAYING CAREER — University of Connecticut (Goalkeeper)
2013 (21–4) — NCAA National Champions
UConn finished 21–4 and captured the national title with a 2–0 win over Duke.
2012 (19–3) — NCAA Final Four; Big East Champions
The Huskies posted a 19–3 record, won the Big East regular‑season title, and advanced to the NCAA Final Four.
2011 (19–3) — NCAA Final Four; Big East Champions
UConn finished 19–3, won another Big East regular‑season crown, and reached the NCAA Final Four.
2010 (16–6) — NCAA Tournament
UConn's season concluded at 16–6 overall; the team went 1–1 in the NCAA tournament
Total as UConn Goalkeeper (2010–2013): 75–16
About UNH Athletics
UNH Athletics is committed to providing an outstanding student-athlete experience and fostering NCAA Division I teams that are a source of pride for the University community, the State of New Hampshire, and UNH alumni worldwide. UNH Athletics creates and sustains a culture of Competitive Excellence, Leadership and Service, Engagement, Academic Success, and Respect, Integrity, and Inclusion. UNH Athletics is dedicated to supporting an environment in which student-athletes can thrive—competing for conference and national championships, pursuing their academic, athletic, and personal goals, and becoming Wildcats for Life.
UNH Athletics is committed to providing an outstanding student-athlete experience and fostering NCAA Division I teams that are a source of pride for the University community, the State of New Hampshire, and UNH alumni worldwide. UNH Athletics creates and sustains a culture of Competitive Excellence, Leadership and Service, Engagement, Academic Success, and Respect, Integrity, and Inclusion. UNH Athletics is dedicated to supporting an environment in which student-athletes can thrive—competing for conference and national championships, pursuing their academic, athletic, and personal goals, and becoming Wildcats for Life.
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