HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College is pleased to announce the hiring of Katrina Heterbring as the Cobras' first-ever field hockey coach, Dr. Lynn Griffin, vice president of athletics and athletic facilities announced today.
"Katrina brings the experience that we were looking for to bring field hockey back to Coker" stated Griffin. "Field hockey has an extensive history at Coker dating back to the 1930's and we are excited to watch Coach Heterbring establish the program".
Heterbring comes to Coker after spending the last four years as the head field hockey coach at Wells College located in Aurora, N.Y. During her time at Wells, Heterbring led the Division III program to two (2015, 2016) North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) tournament championships and was named the conference's Coach of the Year in 2016. Heterbring also led Wells to a regular season conference championship in 2016. In all, Heterbring coached six NEAC All-Conference selections and ten NEAC Player's of the Week.
In addition to her student-athletes excelling on the field, Heterbring guided her players to academic success by developing three NFHCA Scholar Distinction Award winners, five Zag/NFHCA National Academic Squad selections, and nine DIII National Academic Squad selections.
While at Wells, Heterbring was also the head coach of the women's lacrosse team in the 2014-15 academic year. Serving as the women's lacrosse coach for one season, Heterbring's squad caused 121 turnovers on the season, posting the best total in program history. Additionally, Heterbring coached three NEAC All-League players, the most in one season dating back to 2012.
"I would like to thank Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Griffin, and the search committee for giving me the opportunity to start a new NCAA Division II field hockey program," said Heterbring. "I am thrilled to be a part of history at Coker College and I am confident that my experience, along with the resources at Coker College will guide me in developing a strong field hockey program."
Prior to joining Wells, Heterbring was an assistant coach at fellow South Atlantic Conference and ECAC member Newberry College in 2013. At Newberry, Heterbring assisted the Wolves to an ECAC Division II Invitational Tournament berth. Heterbring also coached two Independent Schools Alliance All-Conference players, including the league's Rookie of the Year.
Before joining Newberry, Heterbring served as a Graduate Assistant for the field hockey and women's lacrosse teams at Elmira College from 2011 to 2013. With Heterbring's assistance, the Soaring Eagles' field hockey squad earned placement on the NCAA's "Most Improved Team" list in 2013.
A 2011 graduate of American International College in Springfield, Mass., Heterbring was a four-year member of the field hockey team and played women's lacrosse during her tenure with the Yellow Jackets. Heterbring graduated as the program's record holder in career minutes played (5,390) and defensive saves (20), earning a selection to the NFHCA North-South Division II All-Star Game.
A two-year captain, Heterbring helped to lead the field hockey team to the Northeast-10 Conference playoffs in 2010 and made an NCAA Division II Championship Tournament appearance. As a member of the starting defensive unit for the women's lacrosse team in 2008, Heterbring saw action in all 16 games for American International.
After receiving a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from American International, Heterbring went on to earn a master's degree in General Management from Elmira in 2013.