WASHINGTON – Heading into his 26th season at the helm of the American University field hockey program, 11-time Patriot League Coach of the Year Steve Jennings has agreed to a five-year contract extension to remain with the Eagles. Director of Athletics & Recreation JM Caparro announced the news as the team enters the 2024 season ready to defend its Patriot League Championship from 2023.
 
"Steve Jennings is a tremendous asset to American University and to our Athletics Department," said Caparro. "He has done an incredible job leading our field hockey program, which continues to set the standard both on the field and in the classroom. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Steve and his staff as we fight for more conference and national championships."
 
One of the country's most decorated field hockey coaches, Jennings boasts an overall record of 304-165. He has guided the Eagles to 13 Patriot League titles and NCAA appearances, winning the 13th last year after AU went undefeated in conference play for the 11th time in program history.
 
"I am incredibly excited and grateful to be able to continue coaching a sport I am passionate about, at an institution that has supported me so incredibly well and, most importantly, to do so with people I love, respect, and admire," said Jennings. "We have a special legacy at AU and I cannot wait to experience what we will accomplish in the years to come. Each day continues to be a gift, and I am so appreciative for the opportunity to witness young people challenging themselves to be their best in the classroom on the field and in life. I also feel deeply indebted to the leadership of the institution, both Dr. Billy Walker and JM Caparro, for believing in the field hockey program. Their belief and support mean the world to me."
 
Jennings' student-athletes have earned an incredible 109 All-Patriot League selections, 84 All-Region honors, 35 major awards from the Patriot League, and 25 All-America accolades.
 
His Eagles are no less impressive off the field, garnering 2319 NFHCA Academic Squad selections and 13 Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards. Jennings' teams have been ranked among the top five in the nation for GPA a total of 12 times.
 
On a national level, Jennings' involvement with the Women's National Team spanned a 13-year period. He was a part of key tournaments including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing—where the team finished eighth, the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro–where they finished fifth, the 2002 World Cup in Perth, Australia—a 10th-place finish, the 2006 World Cup in Madrid, Spain—a sixth-place finish, two Pan American Games—where the team won a silver and gold medal, and finally the 2016 Champions Trophy in London where the team won bronze.
 
In 2012, Jennings was inducted into the NFHCA Hall of Fame, and in 2014 he was named an honorary member of the USA Field Hockey Hall of Fame. He was the NFHCA's Regional Coach of the Year in both 2003 and 2004, also winning NFHCA Division I Coach of the Year honors in 2004 after leading the Eagles to the Elite Eight. American went on to repeat that feat in 2005 and was ranked as high as fifth in the nation during that season.

For the latest on American University Field Hockey, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_FieldHockey) and Instagram (@aufieldhockey).