ARNOLD, Md. – Anne Arundel Community College Athletics Director Duane Herr '07 has announced the hiring of Alli Szymanski as the Riverhawks' student-athlete success coordinator. Szymanski will oversee student-athlete support in the areas of academics, retention, eligibility and life skills. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to support the student-athletes of Anne Arundel Community College in their academic and athletic endeavors," said Szymanski. "I'd like to thank Athletic Director Duane Herr and all of the search committee members for their hard work and dedication through this process, and for allowing me to join such a great team of faculty, staff, and students at AACC."

Szymanski joins the Riverhawks from St. Mary's College of Maryland, where she was the assistant director of athletic communications and assistant field hockey coach. She oversaw the academic achievement of the field hockey program, which saw a consistent increase in team GPA culminating in 16 student-athletes earning a spot on the 2023 National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III National Academic Squad. Szymanski also had a hand in the team's operations, communications, development, and alumni engagement efforts.

The Seahawks had an incredible run in 2023, claiming the program's first-ever Atlantic East Conference tournament championship title and first-ever berth in the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship Tournament. St. Mary's College finished with a 13-6 (6-0 AEC) overall record and collected the program's third consecutive Atlantic East regular-season championship crown with its third straight undefeated league record.

"As a former student-athlete, educator, coach, and athletic administrator, Alli brings a unique perspective and wealth of experience to move our student-athlete success area forward," said Herr. "She is a demonstrated mentor and advocate that I'm excited to have working with Riverhawks student-athletes."

Szymanski previously spent four years as an English language arts teacher at Easton High School in Easton, Md., where she also served as the head varsity field hockey coach, leading the Warriors to the 2021 2A East Region II Championship title.

A four-year member of the St. Mary's field hockey program, Szymanski served as a team captain in 2016 and was a starter in her final two seasons. She was an NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad honoree in 2015 and was named to the Capital Athletic Conference All-Academic Team twice. Szymanski also served as the secretary for the Seahawks' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Szymanski holds a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in teaching, both from St. Mary's.