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Date: June 29, 2004
Contact: Bill Sodoma

 

Bernatchez named interim head field hockey coach

WATERVILLE, Maine --

Amy Bernatchez has her share of state high school championships as a successful head coach in Maine. She will aim for championships on the sidelines at Colby College this fall.

Bernatchez has been named interim head coach of the Colby field hockey team for 2004. The Mules went 9-6 last year and return a number of key players, including two-time All-America selection Wendy Bonner.

Bernatchez won two state championships in nine years (1995-2003) at her alma mater Messalonskee High School. She also won another state title in field hockey while coaching at Cony High School from 1991 to 1994. Bernatchez was the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference (KVAC) Class A Coach of the Year in 1993, 1996, and 2000.

"Colby is extremely fortunate to have someone of Amy's ability leading the field hockey program this year," Colby Athletics Director Marcella Zalot said. "She brings with her a tremendous knowledge of the sport, the proven ability to teach, and a wealth of playing and coaching experience. I'm confident the program will continue to move forward under Amy's leadership."

A 1992 University of Maine graduate and a 1997 inductee into the Sports Hall of Fame at the university, Bernatchez was a Division I Regional All-America selection in 1990. She made the 1991 United States Field Hockey squad and was a U.S. Olympic Festival participant in 1990 and 1991.

Bernatchez was a three-sport varsity athlete in field hockey, basketball, and track at Messalonskee High School. She played on a state championship field hockey team in 1986 and was on a state champion basketball squad in 1987.

Besides her coaching, Bernatchez also is a certified personal trainer by the National Endurance and Strength Training Association.