BRISTOL, R.I. — The Roger Williams University Athletic Department is pleased to announce the hiring of Kelly Blackhurst as the newest Head Coach of the Field Hockey program.
 
Blackhurst comes to Roger Williams from Misericordia University, where she has spent the past two seasons as a graduate assistant coach. She helped lead the 2017 team to the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. She was instrumental in developing the 2017 MAC Freedom Offensive Player of the Year and the 2017 MAC Freedom Rookie of the Year.
 
Prior to Misericordia, she served as the assistant coach at Denison University for three seasons. In her time at Denison, the program produced 16 All-North Coast Athletic Conference student-athletes, six National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Great Lakes Region players, one NCAC Midfielder of the Year, and one NFHCA All-American.
 
Blackhurst is a 2014 graduate of Skidmore College, where she ended her career as one of the most decorated field hockey players in NCAA Division III history. She was a two-time Liberty League Player of the Year, a three-time Longstreth/NFHCA All-American, and was the 2013 NFHCA Division III Player of the Year. In addition, she ranks fifth all-time in NCAA Division III history with 264 career points.
 
"Coach Blackhurst's player-centered approach and strong background as a player and a coach made her a strong candidate for this position," said Kiki Jacobs, Director of Athletics, Intramurals, and Recreation. "She has proven experience playing and coaching at the conference, regional and national level. During her interview, you could feel her passion and energy for the sport of field hockey. We are looking forward to Kelly joining us in the next few weeks."