Flashes Name Liberty Assistant Heather Hefner New Field Hockey Head Coach
5/6/2024 11:05:00 AM | Field Hockey, General, The Golden Flashes Club
KENT, Ohio - Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randale L. Richmond has announced the hiring of Heather Hefner as the eighth head coach in Kent State Field Hockey program history.
"I am extremely excited to welcome Heather and her family to our Golden Flashes' family," Richmond said. "She has a passion and enthusiasm for field hockey and coaching that is unmatched. I am excited to have her lead our program and continue our proud field hockey tradition as we graduate student athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport and continue to win championships."
Hefner comes to Kent State from Liberty University where she served as an assistant coach since spring of 2018. During her time with the Flames, Liberty made the 2021 NCAA title game, won three Big East regular season titles and two tournament championships. Working primarily with defenders, Liberty finished no lower than 11th in the NCAA in goals against average in each of the last four seasons. She also coached two BIG EAST Defenders of the Year, one Co-Defender of the Year and one Goaltender of the Year.
"I am beyond excited to be joining the Flash Family as the next Head Field Hockey Coach!" Hefner said. " A huge thank you to the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Randale Richmond, and the entire search committee for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity. I also want to thank Nikki Parsley-Blocker and the Liberty Field Hockey family for the last 6 years spent together. I wouldn't be in this position today if it weren't for the way the staff and student-athletes loved, challenged, and supported me along the way. Lastly, I want to thank the Lord for his continual guidance and direction, which has brought me and my family to Kent State! "
She got her coaching start as a volunteer assistant at the University of Delaware for the 2017 season. In her lone season with the Blue Hens, Delaware won the CAA and advanced to the NCAA tournament. With Hefner on staff, Delaware ranked in the top-10 in goals against average, save percentage and defensive saves.
"I am absolutely thrilled to take the helm and shepherd this team into Kent State field hockey's next chapter, motivating and empowering these young women to excel not only as champions but as individuals of character. I firmly believe the best is yet to come and I cannot wait to embark on this journey alongside these student-athletes," Hefner added.
Hefner was a four-year defender at Wake Forest, making 76 appearances and 48 starts in her career. She was a three-time NFHCA All-Academic team honoree. The Demon Deacons won the 2014 ACC Championship, and she was named co-captain for the 2016 season. She was also the recipient of Wake Forest's Maria Whitehead Award, given by the team and coaches to the player who shows the most resiliency, passion, leadership, and sacrifice.
What they are saying about Heather Hefner:
"Heather is extremely well suited to step into the head coaching role at Kent State. She helped shepherd our defense at Liberty and majorly contributed to the program becoming a consistent top-10 fixture in the country. Heather understands what it takes to win at the highest level. As great as Heather is on the field, she is an even more outstanding person. KSU could not have hired a more compassionate and competitive human to lead the program into their next chapter. We will miss her greatly but look forward to seeing her flourish!"
-Nikki Parsley-Blocker, Head Coach Liberty University
"I'm incredibly excited for Heather and Kent State. Heather has an unparalleled set of guiding principles. Her integrity combined with her honest and transparent mode of communication will blend well with those working around her and in her recruiting efforts. Additionally, Heather understands and respects the significance of coaching the whole athlete. She will teach, inspire and lead these young women along their short goals while supporting them through their long-term aspirations."
–Jen Averill, Head Coach Wake Forest University
"Kent state not only hit a home run with this hire but a grand slam in my mind!! Heather is an upstanding person filled with amazing character and care! Heather is an outstanding coach who lifts her players up through her knowledge and inspiration! She will do great things at Kent State and most importantly she will inspire young women to be champions of their lives! Great, great hire!"
–Christy Morgan, Head Coach at JMU
"Heather Hefner is a dynamic leader and coach. Her ability to motivate and connect with her athletes is unparalleled. The future of Kent State Field Hockey is bright with her at the helm."
-Kristie Beitz, Sr. Associate AD Liberty University
