Christopher Newport University

Marlene Lichty has served as an assistant coach with the Christopher Newport field hockey team since 2014 after capping off one of the most decorated playing careers in CNU history.
 
From 2010-13, Lichty anchored the Captains’ midfield unit and helped lead the program to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Final Four during her senior campaign in 2013. A two-time NFHCA All-American and three-time All-Region selection, she set the all-time program record with 79 appearances during her career.
 
Equally successful off the field, Lichty was a perennial member of the Academic All-Conference Team and earned NFHCA All-Academic honors as well. During her senior season, she was also honored as the Division III Field Hockey Woman of the Year Nominee for her efforts both on and off the field.
 
Since transitioning to the sidelines, Lichty has helped the Captains post a 161-46 record since 2014, including the program’s first CAC Championship in 2017 and another league title in 2023. Meanwhile, the program has made six appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a Final Four berth in 2025.

For her work, Lichty has been celebrated as a member of the NFHCA Region Coaching Staff of the Year in 2023 and 2025. 

Along with her own honors, she has helped coach 11 different NFHCA All-Americans, including three-time honoree Abby Asuncion. Meanwhile, Asuncion, Rachael Allshouse, Brooke Billhimer, Caroline Hughlett, Courtney Hughlett, Lily Kerr, and Alex Morales have all earned first-team accolades since 2014.

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