Field Hockey | 6/24/2020 1:21:00 PM
Elmira College Associate Vice President of Athletics
Renee Carlineo announced he promotion of
Cassidy Rourke to head coach of the field hockey program. Rourke spent the previous two seasons on the sideline as an assistant coach for the Soaring Eagles.
Since her arrival to EC in the fall of 2018, Rourke has played an integral role in every aspect of the field hockey program. With Rourke's guidance, Elmira registered two of its most successful seasons in recent history with a pair of six-win seasons in 2018 and 2019. She was also instrumental in the recruitment of student-athletes for the classes of 2023 and 2024.
In 2019, with Rourke's help, the Soaring Eagles' defense saw a vast improvement. Elmira limited opponents to just 25 goals, a new program record, while senior netminder Tina O'Donnell '20 boasted the single-season record for goals-against average at 1.45. Additionally, single-game records were set by Kelsie Aloi '21 for points (8) and goals (4).
Under Rourke's watch, the Soaring Eagles also excelled in the classroom. EC received recognition from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) with the Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III National Academic Team Award in 2018 and 2019. Rourke helped 16 student-athletes earn Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad honors and saw four student-athletes receive Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction honors.
Rourke is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a bachelor's in Sport Management and a minor in Communications. While in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she spent two seasons as a manager for the Broncos' Division I women's basketball program, aiding in the team's recruiting and film breakdown. A native of Fenton, Michigan, she also served as president and head coach of WMU's club women's volleyball team during her senior year.
A former soccer and volleyball standout at Fenton High School, Rourke interned with the Kalamazoo FC of the National Premier Soccer League during the team's inaugural season in 2016, assisting with social media, graphic design, and community relations efforts. She also boasts significant experience in event planning, customer service and client relations.
Rourke also possesses a master's degree in General Management from Elmira College.