July 1, 2003

LEWISBURG, Pa. - In building for what appears to be an exciting future for her program, Bucknell head field hockey coach Heather Lewis announced Tuesday the hiring of Tara Herrmann, a former All-America field hockey player at national powerhouse Old Dominion, as the top assistant coach. As well, the return of graduate assistant coach Sue Barnes gives Bucknell a three-person staff for the first time.

Herrmann graduated from ODU this spring with a 3.94 grade-point average, receiving a bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. She was a four-year member of the field-hockey squad, helping the Monarchs to four straight Colonial Athletic Association titles, as well as a Division I national championship in 2000.

"Tara is going to be a tremendous asset to our program on several fronts," said Lewis, who is entering her 12th season as Bucknell's head coach. "Her exceptional playing career will only benefit our student-athletes, particularly as we make a move to [artificial] turf. Tara competed at the highest level on that surface, and she will be able to help us make that transition.

"From my perspective, Tara played under one of the all-time great players and coaches in Beth Anders at Old Dominion," Lewis continued. "She will bring a whole new perspective to our program, and I hope to be able to learn from her. Also, Tara was an exceptional student at ODU and will have a clear understanding of Bucknell's commitment to academic success."

Herrmann was a two-time All-CAA selection, a two-time all-region pick and a third-team All-American in 2001. She was recently named to the Verizon Academic All-America Women's At-Large Third Team and was a three-time NFHCA national scholar-athlete. She was a four-time CAA Scholar-Athlete, and this spring she earned the Jack Wilkins/James Howard Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award.

"Tara has competed at an elite level in college field hockey, and she brings a tremendous wealth of playing experience to Bucknell at a very exciting time in our program's history," said associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator Amanda Backus. "With the addition of Tara as a third member of the coaching staff, and with the new Astroturf playing field on schedule for completion this summer, the Bucknell Field Hockey program looks to build on past successes."

A native of Perkasie, Pa. (Pennridge H.S.), Herrmann, a midfielder, tallied a career-high 19 goals with one assist in 2002, leading the Monarchs to a 21-4 record and a berth in the national semifinals. She recorded 99 points on 45 goals and nine assists in her career.

Despite seeing her collegiate playing career end just this fall, Herrmann does have a wealth of coaching experience at the scholastic and club levels. A certified Futures coach, Herrmann has coached field hockey at Lafayette Winona Middle School in Norfolk, Va., and she has coached with the Richmond Indoor Spartan Elite. In addition, Herrmann has coached at the ODU and College Connection camps, and she also coached the freshman lacrosse team at Pennridge High in 1999.

Herrmann joins a Bucknell team that reached the Patriot League Tournament semifinals in 2002. The Bison went 7-12 overall and 3-3 in league play in their final season playing home games on natural grass. The hockey field at Bucknell's West Fields complex is currently being replaced by an Astroturf surface. The new field is expected to be ready when the Bison return to preseason camp in early August.

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