Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.
Katie DeSandis '13CC Stepping Down as Head Field Hockey Coach
6/24/2024 6:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
DeSandis led the Lions for the past three seasons
NEW YORK — Columbia field hockey coach Katie DeSandis '13CC has stepped down from her position after three seasons. A national search for a head field hockey coach will commence immediately.
"We want to thank Katie for all of her efforts, especially leading the program during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Campbell Family Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Peter Pilling. "She is tremendously loyal to Columbia going back to her time as a student-athlete, and we wish her the best of luck moving forward. We will be swift but thorough in our search for a new coach to ensure our student-athletes receive the support they need to compete for the upcoming season and beyond."
"I want to thank the Columbia administration, staff, and field hockey family for 11 years of memories," DeSandis said. "I came to Columbia as a student-athlete in 2009 with the same dedication and drive I carried into my coaching tenure — the drive to make history by helping the program win its first-ever Ivy Championship and beyond. I aimed to help create a legacy of excellence that lasted beyond my time. However, at this time I believe the program will be better served pursuing that mission under different leadership. I wish the team and Columbia Athletics nothing but the best in the years to come. I will be forever grateful for the honor of leading my alma mater and will cherish the lifelong relationships I've developed as a member of its community."
DeSandis has guided the Lions since the 2021 campaign after serving as the interim head coach during the canceled 2020 season after joining the staff as an assistant in 2017. In her first year at the helm, the Lions got off to a 6-0 start – the best-ever for the program and finished with eight victories. Columbia improved its Ivy League win total by two games and hung tough against four ranked opponents in 2022. This past season, the Lions went 3-11 and 0-6 in the Ancient Eight, but 10 of those defeats were by two or fewer goals.
As a student-athlete, DeSandis was a National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Mideast Region second-team selection, earned All-Ivy League first-team accolades and served as the Lions' team captain as a senior. As a junior, she was also named to the All-Ivy League Second Team and was an honorable mention as a first-year. She recorded 11 goals, 12 assists and 10 defensive saves in 67 games during her college career.
"We want to thank Katie for all of her efforts, especially leading the program during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Campbell Family Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Peter Pilling. "She is tremendously loyal to Columbia going back to her time as a student-athlete, and we wish her the best of luck moving forward. We will be swift but thorough in our search for a new coach to ensure our student-athletes receive the support they need to compete for the upcoming season and beyond."
"I want to thank the Columbia administration, staff, and field hockey family for 11 years of memories," DeSandis said. "I came to Columbia as a student-athlete in 2009 with the same dedication and drive I carried into my coaching tenure — the drive to make history by helping the program win its first-ever Ivy Championship and beyond. I aimed to help create a legacy of excellence that lasted beyond my time. However, at this time I believe the program will be better served pursuing that mission under different leadership. I wish the team and Columbia Athletics nothing but the best in the years to come. I will be forever grateful for the honor of leading my alma mater and will cherish the lifelong relationships I've developed as a member of its community."
DeSandis has guided the Lions since the 2021 campaign after serving as the interim head coach during the canceled 2020 season after joining the staff as an assistant in 2017. In her first year at the helm, the Lions got off to a 6-0 start – the best-ever for the program and finished with eight victories. Columbia improved its Ivy League win total by two games and hung tough against four ranked opponents in 2022. This past season, the Lions went 3-11 and 0-6 in the Ancient Eight, but 10 of those defeats were by two or fewer goals.
As a student-athlete, DeSandis was a National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Mideast Region second-team selection, earned All-Ivy League first-team accolades and served as the Lions' team captain as a senior. As a junior, she was also named to the All-Ivy League Second Team and was an honorable mention as a first-year. She recorded 11 goals, 12 assists and 10 defensive saves in 67 games during her college career.
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