Suzy Banister joins Mercyhurst University Field Hockey as a Volunteer Assistant Coach in July 2025. She works at Mercyhurst full time as the Academic Community Engagement Coordinator in the Community Engagement office. A native of Cockeysville, Maryland, Banister has dedicated her career to shaping student-athlete success across various levels, with a focus on holistic player growth both on and off the field.
Before arriving at Mercyhurst, Banister held multiple roles focused on academic support and athlete development. Most recently, she served as the Testing Center Coordinator and Game Day Events Manager at Loyola Blakefield High School for three years. During this time, she also led the JV Field Hockey program at Roland Park Country Day School, establishing a foundation of positive team culture, competitive spirit. In 2021, Banister also served as the JV Head Field Hockey Coach at Garrison Forest School, a program with a longstanding tradition of excellence and a dominant presence in the IAAM conference.
Banister’s impact extended beyond field hockey, serving as Head Coach for JV Track and Field at both Calvert Hall College High School and West Florence High School, where she also worked as a Resource Teacher and Learning Specialist. Notably, she contributed significantly to in Calvert Hall’s MIAA Varsity and JV Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2022.
As a former collegiate athlete, Banister competed as a member of the McDaniel College Field Hockey team in 2013 and 2016. She was twice named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad. Banister started all 17 games with one assist in the 2016 season. Banister holds a Bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College, where she double-majored in Communication and Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design. A four-year Honors Program Scholar, she also served as President of Alpha Phi Omega and Vice President of Best Buddies. Her artwork was selected for exhibition in the Hoover Library, and she received the Outstanding Sophomore Art Award for excellence in visual arts.
With a background rooted in player development, academic mentorship, and competitive achievement, Suzy Banister brings a dynamic and passionate approach to the Mercyhurst Field Hockey program.
