Release courtesy of Dickinson Athletic Communications
CARLISLE, Pa. - After an extensive nationwide search, Dickinson College Director of Athletics Joel Quattrone announced a new addition to the Red Devil family on Tuesday afternoon as he welcomed Jenn Hanks as the new field hockey head coach.
Hanks comes to Carlisle after spending the last three seasons as the top assistant to head coach Meredith Spencer-Blaetz at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. During her time with the Ducks, she helped them to post a 26-13 overall record which included two trips to the Middle Atlantic Conference (Freedom) playoffs as well as an NCAA Tournament appearance last year after knocking off the Misericordia University Cougars 2-0 in the conference final at home. In addition to helping out on the pitch with tactical changes and running practices, Hanks also identified top-tier prospective student-athletes that fit under the "complete student-athlete" approach at Stevens. Her recruiting efforts proved most valuable as she coached one National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-American, a trio of NFHCA All-Region selections, and multiple All-Conference athletes. Those Ducks teams showcased excellence in the classroom as well with 40 players selected to the NFHCA National Academic Squad and 11 NFHCA Scholars of Distinction. Hanks also offered support in the administrative side of the athletic department providing assistance to the Senior Woman Administrator and Compliance Officer with implementing new NCAA rules and regulations.
Her former employer Coach Spencer-Blaetz had this to say about what the Red and White are getting in Hanks. "I am thrilled for Jenn that she has been given the chance to build her own program at Dickinson. She is a dedicated coach that will bring her enthusiastic energy to the student-athletes." She went on to add "Jenn has incredible vision and is determined to make her mark in the sport. The Dickinson community has gained an invaluable member who is sure to enhance the student-athlete experience and make a lasting impact."
Hanks is not a stranger to the Centennial Conference as she served as the assistant coach with the archrival Franklin & Marshall College from 2016 through the 2018 season. While in Lancaster she helped the Diplomats capture one conference crown and three trips to the NCAA Tournament, in addition to coaching five NFHCA All-Americans and eight NFHCA All-Region honorees.
The newest Red Devil coach offered her thoughts about the opportunity "I would like to thank Director Quattrone and the entire search committee at Dickinson for giving me this great opportunity." She continued by saying "I am grateful for all the support I have received throughout my playing and coaching career that has led me to this phenomenal moment. Dickinson is an amazing institution and I am excited to get to know the student-athletes, colleagues, and the community while working hard to build onto their trip to the Centennial final last season."
"We are very excited to welcome Coach Hanks into the Dickinson College Athletics family," said Director of Athletics Joel Quattrone. "Her field hockey knowledge is exceptional and her inclusive coaching style is a perfect fit for the dedicated student-athletes in our program." He concluded with this "We all look forward to working with Jenn as she makes her mark on the Dickinson Field Hockey program."
Coach Hanks officially begins her position with Dickinson on August 1st.