Garrison Forest School Welcomes Next Head Field Hockey Coach

 

Garrison Forest School (GFS) Athletic Director Jessy Morgan announced earlier this month the hiring of the school’s next Head Coach of Field Hockey: Alli Bitting, who has served as Assistant Director of Admission at GFS for two years, will take the helm of the Grizzly field hockey program. 

Bitting brings a wealth of experience in both coaching and playing field hockey, as well as significant experience in recruiting and admission. Her coaching career includes coaching for the International Field Hockey Club of Kentucky (IFHCK) for the U12-U19 age levels, serving as an USA Field Hockey Futures Coach from 2018-2019, and serving as a volunteer coach at nearby Stevenson University.

In addition to her coaching background, Bitting is a decorated field hockey player herself. A 2021 University of Louisville graduate, she holds many accolades, including 2021 ACC Field Hockey Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, NFHCA Senior Team Selection, three-time NFHCA All-America Selection, four-time NFHCA All-West Region Selection and three-time All-ACC Selection. She was a three-time member of an ACC All-Tournament Team, a three-time Team Captain, an NCAA National Semifinalist and an NCAA All-Tournament team. Over her college career, she played in 103 career games, making 96 starts, and she has also participated in various USA Field Hockey events at the U19 and U21 levels. In her role on the GFS Admission team, she recruits and onboards prospective families and brings a strong understanding of the GFS community. 

"We are thrilled to embark on the Coach Bitting era at Garrison Forest,” said Morgan. “She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the game, as well as a true and deep understanding of our community. She has the capacity to expand our reach as a school, as well as help develop the young athletes currently at Garrison.” 

Bitting replaces previous Head Coach Mimi Smith, who had served as head coach since 2022 and led the team to two consecutive IAAM A Conference championships. Smith will be moving on to an assistant coaching role at William & Mary. “I want to thank Coach Mimi for her commitment to Garrison and and express my gratitude for her exceptional dedication to our Field Hockey program. She has been an invaluable asset, serving as the driving force behind our journey back to dominance,” Morgan said. “It is a testament to her coaching ability to leave this program in a significantly stronger position than when you first came to campus. We have no doubt that you will continue to excel in coaching, and your legacy will of course endure within our program.”

"I love being a part of this community, and I am so excited to step into this role,” Bitting shared. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented young athletes and continue the great tradition of excellence in Garrison Forest athletics.”

Bitting has already begun preparing for the fall season, which begins with Preseason workouts in early August. Morgan looks forward to another successful season for the Grizzlies under their new coach. 

“As a boarding school, Garrison Forest is uniquely positioned to attract talented athletes from around the world. We are confident that Coach Bitting’s extensive experience in recruitment and admissions will help us continue to build a strong and diverse field hockey program,” Morgan said..” Her proven track record of excellence, both on and off the field, makes her a perfect fit for our school. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that Coach Bitting will undoubtedly have on our students and the Garrison Forest field hockey program.”