Release: June 30, 2016
Courtesy: Saint Louis Athletics
View Original Release

 

ST. LOUIS – Danielle Baumgardner has been named head coach of the Saint Louis University field hockey program, SLU Director of Athletics Chris May announced today.

Baumgardner, who was part of two NCAA championship teams during her playing career at Maryland, served as an assistant coach for the Billikens the past two seasons. She replaces Hayley Rausch.

“Danielle’s qualities as a coach and an individual make her a great choice to lead our program,” May said. “She is a proven winner and understands our department’s strategic objectives and the core values needed to attain success. We will continue to support Danielle and our field hockey student-athletes in our goal of delivering a successful program.”

“I am extremely eager to officially begin as head coach of the program,” Baumgardner said. “Chris May, D’Ann Keller (Associate Director of Athletics) and the rest of the SLU community are supportive of my vision for the program, for which I am very grateful. Moving forward, I hope to continue laying the foundation for a successful program that emphasizes hard work, leadership and, most importantly, care. It’s a great day to be a part of the Billiken family.”

Earlier this year, Baumgardner was named the St. Louis Level One Site Head Coach for the USA Field Hockey Futures program, which helps identify the top field hockey players in the region. She has also coached with the Freedom HKY Club in Maryland.

In addition to her work with SLU, Baumgardner works with the AIM field hockey club in St. Louis. She also has been an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for nearly eight years, both as a student-athlete and coach.

A four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member, Baumgardner (maiden name Kauffman) received the team’s Sabrina Salam Award for “demonstrating an elite level of quality to life academically, socially and athletically while exemplifying the heart of a champion.”

SLU begins its field hockey season Aug. 27 against Miami (Ohio) in Farmville, Virginia. The Billikens home opener is Sunday, Sept. 11, against Missouri State. All Billikens’ home games are played at SportPort International at 12525 Sportport Road, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043.