(Editor’s note: This new was first reported by South Jersey Glory Days Correspondent Brian Tortella on his social media accounts last week. Kingsway Regional High officials have not responded to requests for comment, and coach Dana Ott’s only comment is included in this story. In New Jersey, high school coaches have to be confirmed back into their positions on a yearly basis.)
By BRIAN TORTELLA
Correspondent
On X @tortreports
New Jersey’s rising field hockey dynasty will have a new leader next fall.
Dragons head coach Dana Ott, who led Kingsway Regional High for the last seven seasons and guided the Dragons to the last three NJSIAA Group 4 state championship titles, said she was informed in December that she would not be considered for the coaching position come next season.
This past season, the Dragons went 15-7 and won their five playoff games to win the state championship for the third straight year.
“In December, I was told I would not be considered for the coaching position next year,” she said via a text message to South Jersey Glory Days correspondent Brian Tortella early Sunday morning. “I am heartbroken. The girls, the team, and district mean the world to me. I would like nothing more than to continue coaching at Kingsway.”
Under Ott’s leadership, Kingsway has established itself as a state and national power. Kingsway was ranked as high as fourth in the county by MAX Field Hockey during the 2022-2023 season. That year, the Dragons finished with a 20-2 record and outscored playoff opponents 34-2 en route to a 4-1 victory over Ridge in the state championship.
When the numbers are all tallied up, Ott’s career record stands at a remarkable 124-16-3 in seven seasons at the helm of her alma mater. A 2006 graduate, Ott, formerly Dana Ramsden, was a two-time South Jersey Player of the Year and won the “Dragon Award” given to the top senior athlete at Kingsway. She went on to play field hockey at Villanova University.
The news has sent shockwaves across the New Jersey field hockey community as there has been no exact reason given for her departure. Kingsway Athletic Director June Cioffi declined to comment on the matter and attempts to reach Kingsway Regional School District Superintendent Dr. James J. Lavender were unsuccessful.
This announcement comes just three months after varsity assistant coach Jennie Hara abruptly resigned from her position on Oct. 21, just prior to the start of the state playoffs. According to the Kingsway Regional School District’s Board of Education meeting minutes from Dec. 19, 2024, Hara resigned from both her coaching position and as an English teacher in the district.
There’s been an outpouring of support for Ott on social media, with several people jumping to her defense.
“I love Dana, she is such a huge role model for these girls,” a user said on Facebook.
“What an extreme loss and disappointment for the team, school, and community,” said another comment on Facebook. “Something doesn’t seem right here.”
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FNn2GQK2p/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Contact Brian Tortella: btortreportssj@gmail.com.
