After 30 years combined coaching the Gordon College Field Hockey and Women's Lacrosse programs, Head Coach Cory Ward will step down from his coaching duties to assume the position of associate athletic director of operations and compliance for the athletic department effective immediately. He previously served as an assistant athletic director for four years before being promoted to associate athletic director of operations in 2014. 

"There aren't enough accolades to express my thoughts on Cory Ward as a Christ-centered, hardworking, dedicated, caring, and tireless advocate for his own team's student-athletes and all those student-athletes within Fighting Scots Nation," said Gordon College Director of Athletics Jonathan Tymann '83. "He is someone who embodies the love and character needed within a mentor who truly understands the wholistic development of each person on and off the playing surface. He will be greatly missed within the coaching ranks, but his additional time added to his director of operation duties will only enhance and multiply the excellence that he adds to that portion of his work for the good of all student-athletes, Athletic staff, and every fan of Fighting Scots Nation Athletics. Heartfelt thanks to Cory, for his tremendous coaching over these many years. May God continue to increase his effectiveness as he is newly planted for future growth."

Ward began his field hockey coaching tenure in 2000 and, in just his second season at the helm, brought home a conference championship banner as the No. 1 seed in the tournament. After taking over the women's lacrosse program in 2002, Ward led the Scots to four CCC Championship appearances and three conference titles (2002, 2003, 2005), the latter two of which earned the Scots bids into the NCAA Division III tournament.

Although Ward has always emphasized the person over the athlete, he has coached over 100 All-CCC nominees, 200 CCC All-Academic honorees, garnered 15 Sportsmanship awards, six Gordon Hall of Honor inductees, five CCC Players of the Year, seven CCC Senior Scholar-Athletes, three All-Regions, and two All-Americans. 

"Cory has thoughtfully and selflessly invested into every one of his student-athletes over the years– from the seemingly insignificant 'little things' to the life-changing– and has made an impact on all who were privileged enough to call him coach," said Bess Watson '03. "He is a servant for God and Gordon through and through, and the College is blessed to have him assume this new role where he will continue to impact the lives of student-athletes and the greater community for the better."

During his tenure, Ward has been at the forefront of facility management and operations for all 21 varsity programs. Whether it be, coming in early to prepare for a track meet, lining fields, troubleshooting a broken scoreboard or shot clock, or removing snow off the turf in the middle of the night, Ward has served the department selflessly. 

"Leadership isn't flashy, it's showing up every day and helping others," said Sarah Shannon '15. "Throughout my time in the athletics department, as a player, admin, and assistant coach this is the type of leader Cory is. He has the ability to quietly step into a situation and offer assistance without any fanfare. This looks like helping his players shovel out their cars after big snow storms, driving them to doctors appointments, late trips to the ER, early mornings setting up fields for other teams, fixing sound systems and score boards, and plowing the turf in the winter. You name it and Cory is there lending a hand, with a smile."

Ward obtained his B.A. in accounting in 1998 as well as a B.A. in youth ministries from the College in 2000.

"I have always found joy in serving others, said Ward. "This new role allows me to better serve all of the athletes and coaches and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.  I will deeply miss coaching and I will cherish the many memories I have and the relationships I have been fortunate to make. I am truly blessed."