Sammons takes helm as Arcadia University head field hockey coach

New Arcadia University field hockey head coach Regan Sammons is just 23 years old, but she is no stranger to the school or the Knights’ program. The Seaford native and Sussex Tech graduate played at the Philadelphia area school before serving as an assistant coach there the past two seasons.

“I feel like it’s an honor to be trusted in that position,” said Sammons. “I was prepared very well by the coach before me (Erin Livingston).

Sammons played for Livingston for four years before serving as Arcadia’s first-ever full time field hockey assistant coach during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

   Regan Sammons

“Arcadia gave so much to me and the field hockey program gave so much for me. I wanted to give back to Arcadia,” she said. “I know the culture, the tradition.”

Taking the helm- Regan played with last year’s seniors before coaching them the past two seasons. She expects an easy transition when the pre-season begins in August.

Sammons says she didn’t realize what was involved with coaching, beyond the practice field, when she was a player. She said a lot goes on off the field including watching film and planning practices.

“I had no idea that was all that went on behind the scenes,” said Sammons.

Now she is in control of the program and is looking for the players to buy in to the program. She believes there will be more trust in her than there would normally be for a first year coach because of her experience at the school and with the program.

Sammons admits that the new job was a little overwhelming at first, as is the case with any new role or job. She is looking for her team to win games and reach its long time goal of winning the conference.

“It’s been neat helping those girls through the transition. I’m somebody that they already have trust in,” Sammons said.

Playing days- Sammons’ name is in the Arcadia field hockey record books. She holds the school record for points in a game (nine), ranks fourth in career goals (31), fifth in career points (72), and is tied for 10th in game-winning goals (five).

In her senior season, Regan earned Second Team All-Region IV honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA), was named First Team All-MAC Freedom, and was recognized on the Academic All-MAC team. She graduated from the school in 2023 with a degree in psychology.

“It (playing at Arcadia) was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Most kids grow up and they dream of playing sports in college. It’s a lot of work,” the Knights’ former forward said. “The records and the wins and the losses weren’t make or break for me. I just wanted to show up and do the best I could and be the best I could be.”

Sammons added that she is thankful for the relationships built with teammates and coaches and the people at Arcadia as a player as well as for the opportunity to coach the Knights after walking off the field one final time as a player.

Growing up in Seaford- “Growing up in Seaford, it’s a very small town but everybody’s a close community, a close family,” Sammons said of her early years. She said playing sports in Seaford was very competitive and wanted to find a similar environment in college.

Sammons’ first field hockey coach at Sussex Tech supported her and helped her develop an interest in coaching, even serving as a job reference for her. Another coach was not as supportive.

“You live and learn things,” said Sammons, who played field hockey for four years and earned a pair of letters in lacrosse for the Ravens. “I think I learned a lot from both perspectives.”

She added that she wants to be a coach that players look up to, trust, and want to learn from.

All in the family- Sammons said her parents always went to see her and her sister, Paige, play field hockey in college. They also helped her make the transition from college coaching.

“They’re awesome. They’re my biggest supporters,” Sammons said. “They were always there to support us.”

Paige played field hockey at Delaware Valley University, which is in the same division as Arcadia. The two sisters squared off against each other when Regan was a senior and Paige was a sophomore. Regan also coached against Paige last year during Paige’s senior year.

With Delaware Valley just 30 minutes away from Arcadia, Regan lived with her sister during her first year and a half as an assistant coach. It has been a little bit of a transition from Sussex County to the Philadelphia area.

“Growing up in lower Delaware, it’s a much more laid back lifestyle,” said Sammons.