Kelly McManus '12 enters her second year as an assistant coach for the Bates field hockey team.
In 2024, she helped lead the Bobcats to a program-record 14 wins, a NESCAC runner-up finish, and an NCAA quarterfinals appearance.
"I am thrilled to welcome coach McManus home to Bates as our first assistant coach," head coach Dani Kogut said when McManus was hired in 2024. "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 took over for Morgan DeMann, who departed in March 2024 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 came 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.
Hailing from 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.
