April 22, 2010

NEW YORK - University of Maryland field hockey Associate Head Coach Marybeth Freeman has been named head coach of the Columbia University field hockey program, the institution announced Thursday.

Freeman, who spent seven seasons at Maryland under head coach Missy Meharg, will take over for Jana Woolley, who recently departed Columbia.

"After seven seasons at Maryland, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have coached with one of the most knowledgeable and experienced coaching staffs, work daily with high performing athletes and have the support of a wonderful administration," Freeman said.

"Maryland has provided me the opportunity to move forward with my career aspirations through positive and successful experiences and I'm excited to be in position to lead an eager, talented and determined Columbia program. Thank you to the support staffs, the Maryland hockey program and all those associated with it for embracing me during my tenure and I look forward to following the continued athletic successes at Maryland.

Freeman help lead the Terrapins to three NCAA titles and six NCAA semifinals appearances during her seven years at Maryland. The Terrapins notched an overall record of 146-25 (.853) during that span.

"Marybeth has been ready to become a head coach for quite some time," Meharg said. "Columbia University is fortunate to have hired such a hard-working, loyal, knowledgeable field hockey coach. On behalf of the Maryland team and staff, we wish Columbia field hockey all the best."

Freeman was responsible for developing Maryland's goalkeeping unit, which produced All-Americans Kathryn Masson and Alicia Grater. Masson was the first goaltender in Maryland history to be honored as a first team All-American.

Grater was a member of three Maryland national championship teams with the Terps (2005, 2006, 2008) and led the ACC in saves in 2009.

Freeman is one of the few field hockey coaches in the nation to produce instructional videos. "Becoming a Champion Goalkeeper," produced in 2003 by Championship Productions, targets goalkeepers and aspiring goalkeeping coaches.

Freeman has been involved with the United States Field Hockey Association Futures program for both Maryland and New Jersey. She plays a role in coaching the goalkeepers and the defense for the Mid-Atlantic Thundersticks of the USFHA Elite Performance Training Center.

A two-time All-CAA pick and a four-year starter for Old Dominion, Freeman was an integral part of teams that posted an 81-17 (.827) record in her collegiate career, capturing the Colonial Athletic Association crown in all four years.

As a sophomore in 2000, Freeman was selected to the NCAA All-Tournament team after helping ODU win its ninth national crown. As a senior, she led her squad back to the NCAA semifinals.

Over her 11-year playing and coaching career, Freeman has been a part of five national championships and seven conference titles.

A native of Holland, Pa., Freeman graduated from ODU with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education. She was a four-time NFHCA National Academic Squad honoree and a CAA Scholar-Athlete. She earned her master's in education from the University of Maryland in May 2008, graduating with a 3.82 GPA.