University of Hartford Director of Athletics and Recreation Alicia Queally announces that Rhonwen 'Rhonnie' Peters has been named the first field hockey head coach.  

With over a decade of intercollegiate field hockey coaching experience, the University of Hartford has appointed Peters as the inaugural field hockey head coach, Alicia Queally, Director of Athletics and Recreation, announced Thursday.   

'I am excited to welcome Rhonnie to the University of Hartford community,' Queally said. 'Her vision and plan for implementing a program that will bring well-rounding student-athletes to our campus stood out to us throughout the interview process. Her previous experience as a student-athlete, head coach, and Senior Woman Administrator will be invaluable assets to have when growing a new sport program and mentoring student-athletes.'  

'I am proud of how the hiring committee came together to ensure that the hiring of this position met the standards that we are seeking each day here on campus. At the forefront, there was the expectation that we would hire for fit: academically, culturally and competitively. In addition, the desire for the incumbent to be able to build a strong foundation of excellence while establishing and leading our field hockey program.'  

Peters comes to Hartford after seven seasons as the head coach at American International College (AIC), where she is an alumna and all-time wins and games coached leader.  

'I am honored and excited to accept the position as the first-ever Head Field Hockey Coach at the University of Hartford,' Peters said. 'I'd like to extend my gratitude to Athletic Director Queally and the entire search committee for entrusting me with this once in a lifetime opportunity. I look forward to building a program that embodies resilience, integrity, scholarship, and excellence. I can't wait to get started on this journey and to help grow the incredible game of field hockey.' 

Peters, who graduated from AIC with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology, was one of the captains of the 2010 squad that set the program's wins record with 14 victories, and was the first in Yellow Jackets history to reach the Northeast-10 and NCAA Tournaments. She played in all 78 games the team competed in from the start of 2007 through the 2010 season, starting all but one, scoring six goals and adding a dozen assists as a midfielder in the 2010 campaign. She was named to the Northeast-10 Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll for both the fall and spring semesters in her junior and senior years. 
 
After graduating from AIC in 2011, Peters was named an assistant coach at Muhlenberg College in 2012, where she spent three seasons, helping improve the program in each year she was on the staff, culminating with the Mules making an appearance in the Centennial Conference Tournament for the first time in six years. She spent the next three seasons as the assistant coach at William Smith College, helping guide the Herons to back-to-back Liberty League Tournaments, winning the championship in 2015. During Peters' tenure at William Smith, the team compiled a 41-17 record. 

The Hawks will grow the program over the next academic year and begin varsity competition in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) beginning fall 2025.   

Peters will begin her official duties on June 10th.