BALTIMORE- Notre Dame of Maryland University and the NDMU Athletic Department are pleased to announce Cassidy Coates has been hired as the department's field hockey head coach. Coates is the 13
thhead coach in program history, bringing a passionate love for the sport to the program.
Coates said she sees a really opportunity for growth with the NDMU program.
"I see an exciting opportunity to build on a program that has an established base, but a program that I think I can help elevate to the next level," explained Coates "I want to continue to teach every player the game, by focusing on the fundamentals to raise their overall skill level."
Coates was a standout midfielder for Limestone University in Gaffney, S.C. from 2015-2018. During her time with the Saints, she started 57 career games, scoring 14 goals including three game-winning goals and dishing 13 assists. During her career, Coates was named to the All-ECAC First Team in 2017 and to the All-South Atlantic Conference Carolinas First Team in 2018.
There are many elements to growing a program and Coates has an understanding of where she would like to start.
"I am planning in hit the ground running in recruiting, so that we can grow our roster size," said Coates. "I want to get to tournaments in the area to grow our brand. I also feel it is going to be very important to begin working on improving the team dynamic, so that we can lay a successful foundation for our future."
Coates's new team should expect a coach that embraces the importance of mastering the fundamentals of her craft.
"My favorite aspect of field hockey is watching passing being done at a high level," explained Coates. "There are a lot of fancy things you can do on the field, but the teams that master the fundamentals are the most successful. When passing is done at a high-level, it's amazing how quickly a team can get the ball up the field and how it can offset other issues with your team."
Dr. Ashley Hodges, Director of Athletics and Wellness said the department was happy to bring someone onboard with so much energy and passion to raise the level of the program.
"It quickly became clear how much Cassidy cares about the sport of field hockey and how deeply she desires to continue to grow the game," said Dr. Hodges. "Her playing experience mixed with her vision of raising players fundamental skills and fitness levels will allow her to grow our program."
A 2019 graduate of Limestone University, Coates earned her Bachelor of Arts in History with a focus on Pre-Law. She also has earned a certificate in Security and Terrorism Studies through the University of Maryland in 2022. In addition to coaching, Coates works as a Special Investigator with AIC Companies.