Sarah Youlen has been named as an assistant women’s ice hockey coach. Youlen will become the first full-time assistant for the women’s ice hockey program.
Youlen, a recent graduate of Providence College with a degree in sociology, played 137 games with the Friars. She tallied 15 goals and 17 assists as a forward, helping Providence to three league championships and three 20-win campaigns.
Youlen also received the team’s Unsung Hero Award her senior year and the Paul Connolly Award, given to the senior female athlete at Providence who distinguishes herself among her peers through sportsmanship, courage, and honor.
“We are very fortunate to have Sarah join our staff,” said second-year Head Coach John Burke. “She is a very enthusiastic person who has experienced success at the Division I level, having been a captain and winning three league titles. Sarah should be able to convey to our student-athletes exactly what it takes to compete at Division I.”
Although she has no coaching experience, Youlen has been a clinician at hockey camps, including Rensselaer’s girls’ camp in 2003. She also captained the Friars her senior year.
Youlen’s role so far has been to help the girls fit the Division I status. “I want to help not only with recruitment, but with the transition with the current players,” said Youlen. The Engineers will be moving to Division I beginning in the 2005-2006 season.
In other news, the Engineers named Allie Cooper and Sondra Sherman captains. Cooper, a four-year defenseman from Colton, NY, has been a rock on defensive side of the ice, while honing her offensive skills. Last year, Cooper tallied three goals and eight assists. Sherman, who also captains the field hockey team, has been another anchor the Engineers’ defense.
The Engineers open their season October 30 at Union. They open at home on November 14 versus UMass Boston.
