FAIRFIELD, Conn. (September 21, 2023) – The Sacred Heart University field hockey team and head coach Sydney Van Der Merwe have announced the hiring of Montana Fleming as an assistant coach.
 
It is the fourth college coaching stop for Fleming, who joins the Pioneers after four seasons as an assistant coach 14 exits up the Merritt Parkway, at Quinnipiac University. Her second stint with the Bobcats culminated with a year as Associate Head Coach in 2022. Fleming also brings coaching experience at the club level, as she began working with HTC Field Hockey in Madison, Conn., in the summer of 2023.
 
"I am happy to add Montana as a part of our program; she brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the program, and will help us take the next step up," said Van Der Merwe. "I know that Montana is going to make an impact from the start, and I am excited to have her here."
 
During her most-recent time in Hamden (2019-22), she served as the Bobcats' recruiting coordinator. Her work helped assemble Quinnipiac's eight-win 2022 squad, which marked the most victories for the program since 2015. She also managed the team's Family Association and worked with department administration to oversee the academic success of the program's student-athletes.
 
"I am grateful for the opportunity Sydney and the Athletics administration have given me to become a part of the Sacred Heart community," said Fleming. "Field hockey has given me so any wonderful and unique experiences, and I am ready to bring my passion for the game to SHU."
 
Fleming joined the Bobcats from another Big East program, as she spent the 2018 season in the City of Brotherly Love, as an assistant coach at Temple. Prior to her stop with the Owls, she completed a one-year stint as a graduate assistant at Quinnipiac for the 2017 campaign.
 
"This group of student-athletes are committed to their success on and off the pitch, and they are eager to continue their development every day," continued Fleming. "I look forward to developing their individual skills on the field, and also increasing their field hockey IQ through film analysis and training sessions. I'm excited to be a part of the NEC and I am ready to hit the ground running this season."
 
As an undergraduate, Fleming was a four-year letterwinner at the University of Connecticut (2013-16), where her career included national titles in 2013 and 2014 (bio). Over her time with the Huskies, she played in 65 games and tallied 19 points on eight goals and three assists. During her high school career, Fleming won a pair of New Jersey state titles at Bishop Eustace Prep, which is also the alma mater of current Pioneers Cassie Chapjian and Blaire Sparks.
 
Originally from Delran, N.J., Fleming is a 2017 graduate of UConn, with a degree in sociology and criminal justice. She earned her master's in public relations at Quinnipiac in 2018.