LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates field hockey head coach, Dani Kogut, announced Friday the addition of former Bobcat two-sport student-athlete, Kelly McManus '12, to her staff as first assistant coach.

"I am thrilled to welcome Coach McManus home to Bates as our first assistant coach," Kogut said.  "Kelly is a professional coach, with an uplifting and positive coaching style that has earned her an outstanding reputation in the field hockey community. Her passion for Bates is undeniable, and with her addition to our staff, we know the Bobcats are in good hands as we look toward to the 2024 season!"

McManus takes over for Morgan DeMann, who departed in March to become Associate Head Coach of the field hockey program at James Madison University after three seasons with the garnet and white. The former Bates team co-captain comes back to Lewiston after serving as an assistant coach at Bowdoin College since June 2016.

Working alongside veteran head coach Nicky Pearson, the Polar Bears compiled a record of 83-35 (45-27 NESCAC), and advanced to the third round of the 2021 NCAA Division II Championship Tournament, with McManus on staff. Ironically enough, McManus' final game with Bowdoin would take place on Bates' Campus Ave. Field as the host-Bobcats sent off their NESCAC rival, 2-1 in double overtime (Oct. 31), in a classic NESCAC quarterfinals contest.

A native of Plymouth, N.H., McManus appeared in 56 contests (53 starts) for the Bobcats, recording four goals and 13 assists (21 points) over her four-year collegiate career that culminated with a selection to the Longstreth/FHCA Division III All-Region team as a senior midfielder.

Also a three-year member of the Bates softball program (2009, 2011-12), McManus appeared in 80 games (75 starts) with the Bobcats. An outfielder with speed, she batted .276 (62-for-225) to go along with 16 career stolen bases.

McManus received a bachelor's degree in psychology and earned the Evelyn K. Dillon Award from the Bates College Key, which recognizes a member of the field hockey for superior athleticism, leadership, dedication, and overall contributions to the respective sport. She went on to earn her master's degree in Sports Leadership from the Northeastern University College of Professional Studies in 2015.

Upon graduation from Bates, McManus immediately commenced her coaching career, joining the Massachusetts Institute of Technology staff in the fall of 2012 as an assistant coach. With the Engineers for four seasons (2012-15), she played a vital role in leading MIT to 52 wins, including the 2012 NEWMAC Championship.

The Bobcats had a historic year in 2023, matching the program record with 13 wins and setting a new team standard with seven NESCAC victories. Bates went on to advance to the second round of the NCAA Division III Championship tournament, Bates' first-ever appearance in the event.

Bates will open the 2024 calendar on Tuesday, Sept. 3 with a non-conference visit to the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine.