Alvernia University is a small, private Catholic university located in Reading, Pennsylvania, offering an intimate learning environment with approximately 1,500 undergraduate students. The university provides a close-knit academic community with personalized attention and strong Franciscan values.
Location & Setting Located in Reading, a mid-sized city in southeastern Pennsylvania, Alvernia's campus has a suburban setting with easy access to urban amenities. The campus is situated just outside the city center, providing a safe and contained environment while remaining connected to regional resources.
Campus Life As a small university, Alvernia offers a tight-knit social experience where students know each other well. On-campus housing is available, with most students living in residence halls that foster close community connections. While the school does not have a large Greek life presence, students engage through various clubs, service opportunities, and campus events.
Student Body The student population is predominantly from Pennsylvania, with a mix of local and regional students. The university attracts students interested in service-learning, healthcare, business, and education, with a collaborative and supportive academic culture. Many students are first-generation college attendees seeking hands-on learning experiences.
Academics Alvernia is known for strong programs in nursing, business, and education, with an emphasis on experiential learning and community service. The curriculum focuses on personalized education, with small class sizes and significant faculty interaction. The university maintains a moderate academic rigor with opportunities for practical, real-world experience.
Athletics & Sports Competing in NCAA Division III, Alvernia offers multiple intercollegiate sports teams with a focus on student-athlete development. While not a major athletic powerhouse, the university provides opportunities for competitive sports and emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and personal growth through athletic participation.
Lifestyle & Weather Reading experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate spring and fall periods. A car is recommended for off-campus activities, though campus is walkable. Nearby outdoor recreation includes hiking in regional parks, access to historical sites, and proximity to both urban and rural Pennsylvania landscapes.
| High | Low | |
|---|---|---|
| January | 39° | 23° |
| April | 63° | 42° |
| July | 86° | 66° |
| October | 65° | 45° |
| Name | Position | Contact | Bio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Gingrich | Head Field Hockey Coach | laura.gingrich@alvernia.edu | View Bio |
| Erin Solley | Assistant Field Hockey Coach | — | View Bio |
| Jen Moyer | Assistant Field Hockey Coach (Goalies) | — | View Bio |
| Jim Gingrich | Volunteer Assistant Field Hockey Coach | — | View Bio |
| # | Name | Position | Year | Height | Hometown | High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Kiera Anspach | F/M | So. | 5-6 | Jonestown, Pa | Northern Lebanon |
| 3 | Ana Jones | M | So. | 5-4 | Bangor, Pa | Bangor |
| 4 | Katelyn Goodwin | M | Jr. | 5-3 | Northeast, Md | Northeast |
| 5 | Sofia Mollura | M/D | So. | 5-2 | Reading, Pa | Governor Mifflin |
| 6 | Lillian Case | M | Gr. | 5-6 | Reading, Pa | Juniata College |
| 7 | Sarah Schaffer | M/D | So. | 5-5 | Emmaus, Pa | Emmaus |
| 8 | Ava Michael | F | Jr. | 5-5 | Bloomsburg, Pa | Millville |
| 9 | Alessandra Stevens | M | Fy. | 5-5 | Hanover, Pa. | South Western |
| 10 | Matisyn Derkacs | M | Fy. | 5-1 | Whitehall, Pa | Whitehall |
| 11 | Jennah Hershberger | F/M | Fy. | 5-3 | York, Pa | Central York |
| 15 | Caroline Martin | F | Jr. | 5-3 | Holland, Pa | Council Rock South |
| 16 | Jaden Fox | M/D | So. | 5-2 | Fleetwood, Pa | Fleetwood |
| 18 | Hadley Lewicki | F/M | Fy. | 5-2 | Dover, Del | Dover |
| 19 | Kelsy McClintock | F | So. | 5-7 | Littlestown, Pa | Littlestown |
| 20 | Carley Mackert | M/D | So. | 5-7 | Milford, Del | Milford |
| 22 | Natalie Parent | M/D | So. | 5-2 | Gloucester City, N.J. | Gloucester City |
| 26 | Jazmin Mayfield | G | Fy. | 5-4 | Selbyville, Del. | Indian River |
| 92 | Zoe Caloviras | G | So. | 5-3 | Lititz, Pa | Manheim Township |