St. Mary's City, Md. – Director of Athletics and Recreation Scott Devine announced Tuesday morning the resignation of St. Mary's College of Maryland field hockey coach Katie Newkirk '06. Newkirk's last day will be June 3rd. Newkirk will not venture far from St. Mary's as she has enrolled in the Masters of Art Teaching program right here on the St. Mary's City campus.

"It has been a pleasure working with Katie and watching her develop our field hockey program. I was here as athletic director when Katie was a student-athlete competing for the Seahawks, so it was especially rewarding for me to see her grow and evolve as our head field hockey coach over the last eight years," expressed Devine. "Coach Newkirk has built a very strong program over the course of her tenure and she will be greatly missed by our student-athletes and staff."

She spent eight successful seasons at the helm of the Seahawk field hockey program and leaves as the program's all-time winningest coach with 68 victories. Newkirk also holds the most Capital Athletic Conference wins with 26, having led St. Mary's to eight consecutive berths in the CAC Tournament. The Seahawks advanced to the championship game in 2008 and to the semifinals in 2010 and 2012.

Newkirk stated, "I have really enjoyed my eight years spent coaching at St. Mary's. While at St. Mary's, I have had the opportunity to get to know and work with dozens of wonderful, accomplished young student-athletes."

"I've built relationships with supportive colleagues, past and present. I've learned a lot, not only about the sport of field hockey, but how to win and lose gracefully and to learn and grow from my mistakes. I wish the very best for the Seahawks and will be rooting for them for many years to come!"

Newkirk coached one All-American as well as four Seahawks to five all-region accolades. She has also mentored 14 players to 22 All-CAC awards, including nine first team selections. Three CAC Rookies of the Year – 2009, 2011, and 2013 – have come through the program as well during her tenure.

A 2006 alumna of St. Mary's, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in human studies and then earned her master's degree in exercise science and physical education from McDaniel College in 2010.

"On behalf of our department, we all wish Katie nothing but the best of luck as she transitions to an exciting new career as a teacher. I have no doubt she will be very successful in that field as well," continued Devine.

"Looking ahead, we are eager to begin the search for Katie's successor. The next head field hockey coach will have the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation which is currently in place. This is an exciting time for our field hockey, soccer, and lacrosse programs as we look towards the construction of a new stadium and turf field complex on the horizon."

A national search for the next St. Mary's field hockey coach will begin immediately.