One of the Lancaster-Lebanon League's great field hockey players is turning his attention to coaching.
University of Donegal graduate Mackenzie Alesi has been appointed head coach at St Francis University in Loretto.
“I can’t wait to bond with the girls on and off the field,” Alesi said in a press release. “I’m really looking forward to growing this program.”
Alesi has coached Palmyra's AlleyCats club team since 2015, working with athletes from U-12 to U-16. She also served as a volunteer assistant at the University of Donegal.
The Penn State graduate played three seasons with the Nittany Lions after transferring from Ohio State. Allessie was his LNP | his LancasterOnline.com Athlete of the Year in 2019. She scored her 124th goal and led Donegal to her PIAA championship as a senior.
“McKenzie will be a great leader and role model for our players on and off the field,” former Penn State coach Char Moret Curtis said in a statement. “Her passion for field hockey is evident in the way she plays, and she will now translate that passion into coaching and inspiring her team.”
Alesi was the leading scorer for the U.S. national team that won a bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games.
St. Francis went 10-8 last season and reached the Northeast Conference semifinals.
Donegal's Mackenzie Alesi, 2, reacts after scoring the winning goal against Palmyra in overtime of the PIAA 2A Field Hockey Championship Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at Whitehall High School in Allentown.
