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Lott succeeds Kelly as Golden Bears field hockey coach

Date: 2/20/2014

SPRINGFIELD – Former assistant Hannah Lott has been named the interim field hockey coach at Western New England University (WNE), succeeding Sarah Kelly who has stepped down from the helm.

“We are happy to have Hannah on board. She has earned the respect of all of our players throughout this past season and has worked diligently with the program’s recruiting efforts throughout this year,” Dr. Mike Theulen, director of Athletics, stated. “Hannah has a very good playing background and wants to pursue the coaching profession. She brings energy and a strong work ethic to this position.”

Lott spent her first season with the Golden Bears this past fall working primarily with the defense and midfielders. She helped develop Katherine Ferrari into an All-Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) back during her sophomore season, leading the CCC and ranking nationally in the top-10 in defensive saves.

“I am excited to lead the WNE field hockey program to achieve team and individual goals this spring,” Lott said. “We are preparing the current athletes and laying the groundwork for welcoming a new team and new season next fall.”

In 2012, Lott served on the field hockey coaching staff at Smith College in Northampton. Her responsibilities there included specialization in defensive schemes and individual practices; co-design of the non-traditional spring season; recruiting the Disney Showcase and University Athlete Experience; Gamebreaker system video coding and camera set-up; developing in- and out-of-season workout programs; and organization of team fundraisers like tournaments, Kids’ Night Out and other events.

Lott graduated from Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) in Washington, Pa., with a bachelor of arts degree in Spanish, with minors in French and Entrepreneurial Studies. She is currently pursuing as master’s degree in exercise and sport studies from Smith. Her W&J academic honors include Spanish and French honor societies and study abroad scholarship.

Lott played at W&J where she was a four-year starter for the Presidents with career totals of 11 goals, 13 assists and 35 points. The midfielder/defender helped the team go 49-21 for a .700 winning percentage from 2008 to 2011.

As team captain, she helped the Presidents to their first Empire-8 Conference title and NCAA Division III tournament appearance in 2011, going 14-5 on the season. During that senior season, she compiled three goals and 10 assists for 16 points – setting career highs for the latter two categories. She led the squad with five defensive saves and in assists.