Neumann University has named Dana Ott as its new head field hockey coach.

Ott comes to Neumann from Kingsway Regional High School where she was the head field hockey coach from 2018 to 2024. During her seven years at Kingsway, her teams compiled a record of 124-16-3 and won seven consecutive conference championships.

Those teams also secured six South Jersey Sectional championship appearances and won three NJSIAA South Jersey and State Group VI championships. Ott was named Max Field Hockey NJ Coach of the Year in 2023.

Since 2022, she has also been the club field hockey coach for UPRISE FHC where she has developed young athletes to compete at a national level. Her U-12 teams won National Indoor Field Hockey Tournament titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Dana Ott as our new head field hockey coach,” said John Krimmel, Neumann’s director of athletics and recreation. “Dana brings the passion, experience, and championship-mindset needed to take our program to new levels. I look forward to watching our program flourish under Dana's leadership. As a former Division I student-athlete, teacher, and elite coach, Dana knows what it takes to be successful in the classroom and on pitch while also making a difference in the community. This is a new era of Neumann field hockey, and we are blessed to have Dana leading us forward."

In addition to coaching success, Ott has classroom experience as a professional educator. She taught at Kingsway Regional Middle School from 2012 to 2021 and was named 2019 Teacher of the Year.

"I am incredibly honored and humbled to be joining the Neumann University family.” said Ott. “From my first visit to campus, I felt a strong sense of positive energy. The support for student-athletes, the commitment from coaches and staff, and the leadership’s clear vision all affirmed that Neumann is the right place for me. I’m honored to lead this program and excited to contribute to its bright future."

Ott is a graduate of Villanova University where she majored in English and Secondary Education. She earned a full athletic scholarship to compete for the Division I Wildcats and was recognized as an All-Big East player in 2008 and 2009.

She began her role at Neumann on April 9.

What people are saying about Dana Ott

Joanie Milhous, Head Field Hockey Coach, Villanova University:

“Dana is an exceptional coach who leads with integrity and strength. Her unwavering determination and winning mindset inspire her players to reach their full potential on the field. But what truly sets her apart is her genuine care for her players as individuals off the field. Dana is an incredible mentor and role model. Neumann University is lucky to have her.”

Danyle Heilig, Owner and Coach, UPRISE FHC:

"Neumann University has made an excellent choice in hiring Dana Ott to lead its field hockey program. Her expertise and enthusiasm for the sport will have an immediate and positive effect on both the program and the players. As a coach at UPRISE Field Hockey Club, Dana has made a significant impact on our athletes, shaping them both on and off the field. We are excited for her new role and can't wait to see the influence she'll have on the Neumann field hockey team."

Jackie Neary, Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Neumann University:

"I have had the privilege and luxury of having Dana Ott as an assistant for four years, and it was probably the most successful years for my Cabrini field hockey team! Her ability to break down high level play and instill it into her players is amazing. She is a genuinely caring and compassionate coach. I think she will bring tremendous success to Neumann's field hockey program!"

Tori Griffiths, Kingsway Alumni and current member of Liberty University’s field hockey team:

“Coach Ott is one of the very few special coaches that athletes have in a lifetime. She was given a gift to coach and her investment in her girls both on and off the field is extremely evident. Her field hockey knowledge is unmatched and her passion and love for the game and for the girls on her teams create a family bond that I loved being a part of. I personally was lucky enough to play for her and coach alongside her, which grew my admiration and respect for her as a coach. I very much view her as a mentor in my life, both on and off the field, and I believe that she had a big part in where I am today with my field hockey career.”

Sabrina McGroarty, Kingsway Alumni and current member of the field hockey team at The University of Iowa:

“My experience with Coach Ott was very positive. She has been a huge part in my development as a player and person helping me accomplish my goals at the next level. Ott has led our high school team to many State and Conference championships. I am so excited for her next chapter at Neumann University!”

Morgan Klaiss, Kingsway Alumni; former field hockey player at Millersville University, and current senior and member of Millersville’s women’s cross country track and field team:

“Coach Ott was my club coach in grade school, my former middle school English teacher, middle school field hockey coach, and then my Varsity coach in high school from my sophomore to senior seasons. She also dedicated time outside of field hockey and teaching to be a strength coach for myself and other teammates at Up2Fitness. Having been part of my life for so many years, Coach Ott has been a monumental factor that contributed to my growth as an athlete and as a person. I have never had such a more wonderful coach who cared about me outside of just being a player the way Coach Ott did. She saw me as an entire person and spent time getting to know who I was to help benefit my strengths as well as build our player-to-coach relationship. Although I am just under four years removed from high school, my relationship with Coach Ott is still growing. I am excited for all of her future athletes to get to experience having such a wonderful person as their fearless leader and to see all the championships she will help her team bring home.”

Sophia Casella, Kingsway Alumni and 2024 Kingsway Middle School Field Hockey Coach:

“Dana taught me not only the game of field hockey, but what it means to be a part of a successful program and hold strong character. From the beginning, I was a passionate and aggressive player, and Dana always encouraged me to stay that way. That type of sportsmanship and confidence led me to not only play in college, but to then coach Kingsway’s middle school field hockey team. My family and I idolize Dana and her talents to lead anyone to success. Field hockey or not, Dana is there if you need her. It’s a privilege to know someone like Dana!”