HARTSVILLE, S.C. - Morgan Downey has been announced as the next head field hockey coach at Coker University, announced today (Monday, Sept. 13) by Vice President of Athletics and Athletic Facilities Dr. Lynn Griffin.

"We are excited to welcome Morgan to Coker," said Griffin. "She has been successful on the high school and club level and we look forward to watching her to continue to build our field hockey program." 

Downey comes to Coker from North County High School, where she has served as the head field hockey coach since 2017. In the team's last season, Downey led them to a 11-3 record.  Along with coaching at NCHS, she also served as the goalie coach for The Gaels Field Hockey Club. In 2018, the club was the U19 NOT Pool V runner up, while qualifying for the NIT for three consecutive years. She also served as an assistant coach for the Reach Field Hockey Club in 2020.

Before coaching at the club level, she served as a goalie coach at Old Mill High School where they were the 2016 Regional Champions.  In addition, she was an assistant coach with the USA Field Hockey Futures program.

"I am so excited to embark on my first collegiate season with the Cobras!" said Downey. "I am looking forward to working with this amazing group and to help guide them to another successful season. I have such high hopes for this team and for the future of the Coker field hockey program!"

Downey played collegiately at fellow South Atlantic Conference Carolinas institution Newberry College, holding the single-season school record for saves per game (12.0) and also ranking second in single-season saves (180), third in games played (15) and games started (15) and fifth in single-season save percentage.