Rosemont Discontinues Field Hockey Program

Rosemont, PA – The Rosemont College Athletics Department has announced the discontinuation of the school’s women’s field hockey program, effective immediately. The decision was made by the administration in response to a variety of factors relating to recruitment, retention, and market interest. The program’s season came to a conclusion on October 28, 2010.

“The decision to discontinue women’s field hockey in no way reflects on the performance of our players,” said Lynn Rothenhoefer, director of athletics and head field hockey coach for the 2010 season. “It derives from the College’s desire to provide athletic opportunities that support the entire Rosemont community, in addition to promoting good sportsmanship and a healthy competitive environment for our student-athletes.”

The Rosemont Ravens field hockey team has faced numerous obstacles that have compounded over the years including the lack of interest in field hockey among the College’s recruits. In the past two seasons there were less than 25 recruits per season who communicated an interest in playing field hockey for Rosemont. “Over time it became clear to the administration that this was a viable step to take in order to meet the goals of our Strategic Plan which seeks to emphasize and expand Rosemont’s enrollment, programs, and reputation. Additionally, the Athletics Department is examining its programs to take Rosemont to the next level of competition,” Rothenhoefer continued.

The announcement was made to the student-athletes and athletics staff shortly after the season concluded allowing the student-athletes to decide what they wanted to do with their field hockey futures. “The College wants to make this transition as smooth as possible for the players. We will be encouraging them to stay at engaged at Rosemont, and even pick-up a new fall sport if they are so interested.” said Rothenhoefer. “My staff and I are here to assist those who have been impacted by the discontinuation.”

The field hockey team completed its 86^th season against Elizabethtown College with a loss of 0-7, finishing up the season with an overall record of 3-13 and a conference record of 2-6. The last winning season was in 1993 and the program has compiled a record of 13 wins and 125 losses over the last decade. The program has managed to field a roster of no more than 14 players over that period and has suffered from the lack of continuity in its coaching staff with six different head coaches taking the helm over the last seven seasons.

The Rosemont Ravens are a member of the NCAA Division III’s Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC). With the departure of the field hockey program Rosemont fields seven women’s programs and six men’s programs.

Founded in 1921 by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Rosemont College is a private, coeducational institution in the Catholic educational tradition that—through close mentoring, excellent academic support, and student life service—focuses on nurturing the strengths of each student. Located on the Main Line, 11 miles west of Philadelphia, on the border of Montgomery and Delaware Counties, the nationally-acclaimed, traditional Undergraduate College confers B.A., B.S., and B.F.A. degrees in twenty-four majors. Rosemont College also includes the Schools of Graduate and Professional Studies, which are open to both women and men. For more information, visit www.rosemont.edu.

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