University of Richmond Athletics
Loncarica Completes Spider Hockey Coaching Staff
01/26/2024 | Field Hockey
RICHMOND, Va. – Spider Field Hockey Head Coach Martu Loncarica has completed her coaching staff, welcoming Assistant Coach Erin Menges and Volunteer Assistant Coach Christie van de Kamp, along with current Associate Head Coach Chaney Eldridge to the program.
"I am thrilled to introduce my staff," Loncarica said. "They are not only exceptional leaders but also embody the values that I withhold dear to my heart. They are loyal, honest and have integrity. Together, we are committed to fostering an environment that reflects these principles."
"Together, Chaney, Erin and Christie will play pivotal roles in elevating our program to the next level and I'm excited for our future together!"
Menges, a Richmond, Va. native, is a 2018 graduate of William & Mary and was a key member of the Tribe Field Hockey program, splitting time between the defense and midfield. She collected NFHCA first-team accolades as a senior in 2017 and second-team honors as a junior in 2016. Menges, 2016 and 2017 CAA Defensive Player of the Year, also collected All-CAA, All-State and All-Region accolades. Starting in 70 of 72 games she appeared in, Menges finished her career with 38 points. Menges played her prep career at St. Catherine's, helping the squad to four-straight state title game appearances, picking up third-team NFHCA prep All-American status as a senior. Menges played with the Team USA National Development squad in 2017-18.
"Erin brings unparalleled leadership and playing experience," Loncarica said. "She has exceptional organizational skills and is the kind of person who consistently delivers top-notch results in everything she undertakes. Erin is a great mentor as she embodies the qualities that will enrich our team and contribute to its success."
van de Kamp, a native of Midlothian, Va., is a 2020 graduate of William & Mary and a four-year anchor of the midfield for the Tribe field hockey program. As a senior, van de Kamp was named NFHCA and SynapseSports.com Third Team All-American, as well as first-team All-Region, All-State and All-CAA. The two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year (2019 and 2018) finished her Tribe career tied for the program leader in both penalty strokes made and taken with a perfect 7-for-7. She is third all-time with 75 career starts, fifth all-time with 20 assists and sixth all-time with 0.26 assist per game average. van de Kamp also played for the Team USA Field Hockey U21 Junior National Team throughout her collegiate career, helping Team USA in competitions against the world's best, including competitions in Argentina and Germany. She played her prep career at Trinity Episcopal, helping the squad to a state title in 2015. She collected NFHCA Third-Team All-American honors in 2015.
"Christie is a true workhorse with remarkable discipline," Loncarica said. "Her role as a volunteer will undoubtedly set the tone at practice, infusing our team with the dedication and commitment needed for a high performing environment."
Loncarica, as an assistant coach for the College of William & Mary Tribe field hockey program in 2017 and 2018 coached both Menges and van de Kamp. Eldridge, also a standout player for the Tribe as midfielder and defender from 2010-2013, will begin her seventh season with the Spiders 2024.
"Chaney is familiar with the University's day-to-day operations and understands the needs and desires of our players," said Loncarica. "She is a genuinely caring person and will always help foster a wholesome and supportive experience for the student athletes."
"I am thrilled to introduce my staff," Loncarica said. "They are not only exceptional leaders but also embody the values that I withhold dear to my heart. They are loyal, honest and have integrity. Together, we are committed to fostering an environment that reflects these principles."
"Together, Chaney, Erin and Christie will play pivotal roles in elevating our program to the next level and I'm excited for our future together!"
Menges, a Richmond, Va. native, is a 2018 graduate of William & Mary and was a key member of the Tribe Field Hockey program, splitting time between the defense and midfield. She collected NFHCA first-team accolades as a senior in 2017 and second-team honors as a junior in 2016. Menges, 2016 and 2017 CAA Defensive Player of the Year, also collected All-CAA, All-State and All-Region accolades. Starting in 70 of 72 games she appeared in, Menges finished her career with 38 points. Menges played her prep career at St. Catherine's, helping the squad to four-straight state title game appearances, picking up third-team NFHCA prep All-American status as a senior. Menges played with the Team USA National Development squad in 2017-18.
"Erin brings unparalleled leadership and playing experience," Loncarica said. "She has exceptional organizational skills and is the kind of person who consistently delivers top-notch results in everything she undertakes. Erin is a great mentor as she embodies the qualities that will enrich our team and contribute to its success."
van de Kamp, a native of Midlothian, Va., is a 2020 graduate of William & Mary and a four-year anchor of the midfield for the Tribe field hockey program. As a senior, van de Kamp was named NFHCA and SynapseSports.com Third Team All-American, as well as first-team All-Region, All-State and All-CAA. The two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year (2019 and 2018) finished her Tribe career tied for the program leader in both penalty strokes made and taken with a perfect 7-for-7. She is third all-time with 75 career starts, fifth all-time with 20 assists and sixth all-time with 0.26 assist per game average. van de Kamp also played for the Team USA Field Hockey U21 Junior National Team throughout her collegiate career, helping Team USA in competitions against the world's best, including competitions in Argentina and Germany. She played her prep career at Trinity Episcopal, helping the squad to a state title in 2015. She collected NFHCA Third-Team All-American honors in 2015.
"Christie is a true workhorse with remarkable discipline," Loncarica said. "Her role as a volunteer will undoubtedly set the tone at practice, infusing our team with the dedication and commitment needed for a high performing environment."
Loncarica, as an assistant coach for the College of William & Mary Tribe field hockey program in 2017 and 2018 coached both Menges and van de Kamp. Eldridge, also a standout player for the Tribe as midfielder and defender from 2010-2013, will begin her seventh season with the Spiders 2024.
"Chaney is familiar with the University's day-to-day operations and understands the needs and desires of our players," said Loncarica. "She is a genuinely caring person and will always help foster a wholesome and supportive experience for the student athletes."
Field Hockey Highlights vs. Davidson in A10 Semifinals
Thursday, November 06
A10 Field Hockey Preview
Tuesday, November 04
Field Hockey Postgame - W&M
Sunday, October 26
Spider Hockey Postgame at UNC
Saturday, October 25