COLLEGE PARK, MD – Scott Tupper, a three-time Olympian who helped lead Maryland to four NCAA appearances, two Final Fours and a Big Ten championship, has been named the head field hockey coach at Penn. Tupper spent the past four years with the Terrapins, including the last two seasons as associate head coach under Hall of Fame head coach Missy Meharg.

"Scott's coaching experience at Maryland for a top NCAA program under a Hall of Fame head coach, combined with an impressive playing career, made him the perfect choice to become our next head field hockey coach," said Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation. "He has an astute mind for the game, both tactically and technically, and has proven to be an exceptional recruiter both internationally and domestically. We can't wait for Scott to get started."

During Tupper's four years in College Park, the Terps compiled a 64-24 overall record, and the team posted an RPI no worse than seventh nationally. Maryland was ranked in the top ten in the national poll every week during the past four years and spent 21 weeks in the top five. He has coached nine All-Americans, including four first-team selections, 18 All-Big Ten honorees and three Olympians.

"I would like to thank Alanna Wren for trusting in me and giving me the opportunity to lead the Penn field hockey program," Tupper said. "Penn is a world-class institution, and I strongly feel the field hockey program has tremendous potential for growth. I look forward to meeting with the team, the staff and the Penn community as I move into the role. I'm excited to get started and can't wait to be on the field with the Quakers soon.

"I would like to thank the University of Maryland and most notably, Missy Meharg, for her leadership, mentorship and most importantly friendship during my time in College Park. I will be forever grateful for my time in Maryland and for getting to call myself a Terp."
 
A skilled recruiter both domestically and internationally, Tupper has helped sign five players ranked in the top ten of their recruiting classes over the past three seasons and a total of 12 in the top 30. During his one season as an assistant coach at Lafayette (2020-21), he helped recruit Lineke Spaans from the Netherlands, who went on to become a two-time All-American, including the Leopards' first-ever First Team selection.

In Tupper's first season in College Park in 2021, the Terps advanced to the Final Four. The following year, he helped Maryland win its sixth Big Ten championship since joining the league in 2014 and earn a second consecutive trip to the Final Four. Maryland then reached the Big Ten Tournament championship game and the NCAA quarterfinal round in 2023, and the Big Ten semifinals and NCAA first round in 2024.

Also active with USA Field Hockey, Tupper has been an assistant coach for the Under-16 National Team. He began his coaching career in 2015 at the Rob Short Coaching Academy in his native Vancouver, British Columbia, as a coach and later head of programming and recruiting, where he helped eight of his athletes land Division I opportunities.

An accomplished player, Tupper played 16 seasons with the Canadian Senior Men's National Team, serving as team captain from 2012-21, and competed in three Olympic Games (2008, 2016, 2020). He also participated in four Pan American Games (2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019), three Pan American Cups (2009, 2013, 2017), and two FIH World Cups (2010, 2018).

Tupper appeared in 322 international matches and scored a Canadian record 126 goals. His five goals during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio remain a Canadian record. Professionally, he played five seasons in Europe.

Tupper earned his bachelor's degree in history from the University of British Columbia in 2013 and a graduate diploma in business administration from Simon Fraser University in 2015.

Head Coach Missy Meharg on Tupper
"Scott is a leader. His hockey knowledge coupled with a loyal and caring character is extraordinary. Maryland athletics wishes him all the best."