By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/12/25
Jenny Purvis Dooley, who guided Garnet Valley to two PIAA girls’ lacrosse championships and two Central League titles, has stepped down after a successful 13-year career as head coach.
Dooley said she wanted to spend more time with her family and her two young children.
Dooley had an overall record of 215-69-3, and her Jaguars won PIAA crowns in 2014 and 2015, as well as Central League titles in 2014 and 2018. Garnet Valley also reached the District 1 finals in 2014 and 2021.
“As I reflect on my time as the Garnet Valley lacrosse coach, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude,” said Dooley. “Coaching this program has been far more than teaching a sport – it has been a journey of building relationships, fostering growth, and creating memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.
“I am thankful for the players, whose passion, hard work, and resilience inspired me every day. Watching them develop – not just as athletes, but as young people with character and heart -has been the greatest reward.”
Dooley, a graduate of Hatboro-Horsham, is an elementary teacher in the Garnet Valley School District. She starred in field hockey at Penn State after playing field hockey and lacrosse at HH.
She added: “I am equally grateful for the support of the parents, school community, my athletic department, especially Seth Brunner, and fellow coaches (shoutout to THE group chat – you know who you are), who have all played a role in making our program special.
“Lacrosse has given me the privilege to teach lessons that go far beyond the field: teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and the belief that challenges are opportunities to grow. I have learned just as much from my players as they have from me, and I will carry these lessons forward into every chapter of my life.
“This experience has been an honor and a joy, and I am deeply appreciative for the trust placed in me to lead this team. The bonds formed and the memories made will always be a part of who I am.”
Dooley’s departure is one of many among the top teams in the Central League. Also this summer, Conestoga (Amy Orcutt), Radnor (Lis Zuern), and Marple Newtown (Jalen Middlebrooks) lost their coaches. Last year Penncrest’s Caitlin Morgan left.
Central League coaching changes:
2025
Conestoga – New Coach TBA; former coach Amy Orcutt
Garnet Valley – New Coach TBA; former coach Jenny Dooley
Marple Newtown – New Coach TBA; former coach Jalen Middlebrooks
Radnor – New Coach Tommy Hannum; former coach Lis Zuern
2024
Penncrest – New coach Jackie Baker; former coach Caitlin Morgan
