Gorham native and field hockey standout (Miss Maine field hockey ‘09), Hannah Prince has been named head coach of the women’s field hockey team at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA (SJU). Prince has stayed in the game as both an athlete competing internationally while also coaching several high-profile programs, including UNH, Princeton and the University of Louisville.
After competing and excelling at UMass Amherst for four years, Prince was one of 18 players selected for Team USA to compete in the junior world cup. She traveled to Germany to compete during her senior year at UMass.
Photo credit: Saint Joseph’s AthleticsPrince began her coaching career at the University of New Hampshire. During this time, she was also named captain of the US field hockey (outdoor team), then subsequently was selected to play for the US (indoor team), a very selective elite team, training in Pennsylvania, home state of SJU. Prince joined the SJU Hawk coaching staff, as a full-time assistant during the ‘17 and ‘18 seasons, helping them win Atlantic 10 tournament titles. Full circle, Prince is now the head coach for SJC, and deservingly so.
Prince is praised by former players, teammates, and coaches as one of the hardest-working individuals in the sport of field hockey. Prince also has a motivating positive style that is heavily regarded within the sport.
As a player Prince trained to play both offense and defense throughout her career. This type of commitment as a player certainly compliments her coaching style of being able to get the best out of her players. She is a highly respected coach, being called “a superstar in the field hockey coaching world” by SJU Vice President and Athletic Director Jill Bodensteiner.
Photo credit: Saint Joseph’s AthleticsAccording to the SJU announcement, there is an astounding amount of praise and congratulatory welcoming messages. Justine Sowry, Head Coach, University of Louisville remarks, “Congratulations to Hannah on this great opportunity as she embarks on her first head coaching position. She is one of the brightest young coaches out there and St. Joe’s is lucky to have secured her. Hannah was always destined to lead her own program and I wish her nothing but the best now and in the future.”
Where it all began for Prince in her hometown, Gorham Varsity Field Hockey Coach Becky Manson shares, “Hannah eats, sleeps, and breathes field hockey and has done so since she was a small child. I knew she would be a tremendous coach because she was always so willing to help her teammates with their skills during her high school career. She is a legend in the Gorham field hockey community and continues to keep in touch with her roots. The entire Gorham community congratulates her and looks forward to watching her coaching career flourish.”