Bloomsburg University

BLOOMSBURG—Bloomsburg University athletic director Mary Gardner has announced the hiring of Nicole (Nikki) Rhoads as the new head coach of field hockey. Rhoads comes to Bloomsburg after spending the last six years at Alvernia University in Reading, including the last two as head coach of the field hockey team. Rhoads will take over for Jan Hutchinson, who is retiring after coaching the Huskies for the last 32 years.

“I am honored and excited about the opportunity to return to Bloomsburg and continue the passion I have for coaching,” said Rhoads. “It's about building hopes and dreams. When I was a student-athlete at Bloomsburg we were inspired by the coaches, the Bloomsburg family and the tradition of success to compete to the best of our ability and represent the institution in a positive manner. The wins and losses came along the way, but the pride and integrity defined who we were as a team and what we wanted to accomplish. It’s the life long memories and friendships you take with you that will always be cherished and bring you back to the experience and opportunity that Bloomsburg gave you. This is what I look forward to the most about returning to BU and the field hockey program.”

Gardner is confident that Rhoads will carry on the great tradition of Bloomsburg University field hockey.

“I am confident Nikki possess the coaching knowledge and has the recruiting experience to continue the successful and winning tradition expected of the Bloomsburg field hockey program,” said Gardner. “As an alum, Nikki holds both Bloomsburg University and coach Hutchinson in the highest regard. She plans to continue to hold the players to the same level of accountability and I am confident that her years away from the program and her involvement in various field hockey endeavors will also bring a new perspective of the game for the present BU field hockey players. I am delighted to have Nikki carry on the field hockey tradition here at Bloomsburg and I am certain she will do an excellent job.”

As head coach at Alvernia she led the Crusaders to a two-year record of 22-18 and a berth in the 2009 ECAC playoffs, advancing to the semi-final round. Academically 10 players from her 2009 squad earned recognition by being named to the SGI/NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad for earning GPAs of 3.3 or higher through the first semester of the 2009-10 academic year.

Rhoads, whose maiden name is Hartranft, is a 2004 graduate of Bloomsburg. She was a standout player for the Huskies helping the team to two NCAA championships and two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference titles. She was a three-time All-American and three-time All-PSAC selection. Rhoads is currently tied for 10th all-time in Bloomsburg history with 45 career goals, 11th in assists with 24 and ninth in career points with 114. She was both a Bloomsburg and PSAC Scholar-Athlete.

Is Rhoads nervous about taking over for Hutchinson, the all-time leader in career field hockey victories?

“I wouldn't say I'm nervous about following in coach Hutchinson’s footsteps,” Rhoads said. “She has created a legacy of success with both the field hockey and softball programs that no one can ever take away from her. I believe she is a true inspiration to all of the student-athletes that have competed for her. I'm not looking to fill her shoes; I'm looking forward to continuing the tradition and the passion for the game that she has instilled in all of her players throughout her career. She has been a true friend and mentor throughout my coaching career thus far.”

While Rhoads will have own style of coaching, there are things that she has learned from Hutchinson that she will be passing on.

“Coach always wanted the best for her student-athletes; it was never about her or her success,” said Rhoads. “This is the one thing I value and cherish when I coach. I ask my players to do the same; always give 100 percent, play for what you believe you can achieve, follow your heart and enjoy the journey along the way.”

Rhoads and her husband Tim are parents of a 13-month old daughter Kadyn Rhoads.