UPEI field hockey coaching change
UPEI Athletics and Recreation announced today that field hockey head coach Sheila Bell has requested a leave of absence from the 2013 season due to sustaining a workplace concussion in November of last year. During her time as head coach for the past four seasons, Bell guided the Panthers to a Maritime Field Hockey Championship, as well as three second-place finishes.
'Concussions need time to heal,' said UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman. 'It's very important that Sheila takes the time she needs to recovery completely. We wish her well, and thank her for all of her efforts and expertise with our field hockey program over the years.'
UPEI is pleased to announce this season's strong coaching staff of Charla Currie, Lacey MacLauchlan, and Barb Carmichael who will continue to build the UPEI field hockey program.
Currie, who has been an assistant coach with the team for the past four years, will take on the role of head coach. Currie also coached with Bell at the 2005 Canada Games and currently coaches the Colonel Gray High School field hockey team where she teaches physical education.
'I've enjoyed working closely with Sheila, and I look forward to building the program to win championships,' said Currie. 'We have a great group of entering and returning student-athletes who are very committed on the turf and in the classroom.'
MacLauchlan, former UPEI field hockey player, will join the coaching staff as assistant coach. For the past three years, she has coached the Charlottetown Rural High School field hockey team, winning PEISAA gold medals in 2011 and 2012.
Carmichael will continue on as general manager of the UPEI field hockey team.
'We congratulate Charla and Lacey on their new roles and we look forward to an exciting and competitive fall season in the Maritime Field Hockey League with a run toward the CIS Championships,' added Schurman. 'I also wish to thank Barb for her continued dedication and commitment to the UPEI field hockey program.'
This fall, UPEI will host one of three Maritime Field Hockey Tournaments on September 21-22.
