Zgrablich Appointed Interim Head Coach for Field Hockey
HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Hannah Zgrablich has been named interim head coach of the Houghton College field hockey program for the 2015 season, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics H. "Skip" Lord announced.
"Hannah's knowledge of the game, maturity and leadership skills make her the ideal candidate to lead the program," said Lord. "As a player she was a key contributor on the field, but more importantly, a leader vocally and by example. Her ability to motivate and encourage as a captain built trust among her teammates, and it is something I believe she can carry over into the coaching role."
Zgrablich, a native of Furlong, Pa., was a four-year member of the Highlander program, starting 67 of 68 games during her career, which she wrapped up after the fall 2014 season. Her senior campaign was her best statistically as she tied for the team-high with five goals, while adding three assists.
She finished her career with nine goals, seven assists and 12 defensive saves. She was an Empire 8 Conference Honorable Mention selection after both the 2013 and 2014 seasons and was the team's selection to the E8 Sportswoman of the Year team last fall.
In the classroom, Zgrablich was a three-time selection to the Gladiator by SGI / NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad.
"I am really looking forward to being back at Houghton and being involved in athletics in an entirely new way. I can think of no better place to begin a coaching career than at a well-established and ever growing program like this. There is much success to build on as we head into the future," said Zgrablich. "It will be a privilege to serve these young women who fervently compete all for God's glory. I am greatly anticipating watching them grow even stronger as a unit and supporting one another on and off the field. There is so much potential in this group and I can't wait to see them thrive competitively."
Zgrablich was also a member of the Highlander lacrosse team during its inaugural season in 2013.
Zgrablich is the 13
th coach in the program's 31-year history.