Bates names women’s cross country and track and field coach
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| Jennifer “Jay” Hartshorn is named the new women’s cross country and track and field coach |
Bates College announces the hiring of Jennifer “Jay” Hartshorn of Syracuse University as the head coach of women’s cross country and track and field.
Hartshorn replaces Sally Hirsch, who recently resigned after a short tenure.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity to belong to such a great athletic program and athletic conference. NESCAC provides such a great balance for student-athletes competitively and academically,” said Hartshorn.
Hartshorn has been employed since 2001 at Syracuse University as the top assistant in the track and field program, coaching the cross country teams and working closely with head coach Andy Roberts in the indoor and outdoor track and field.
“Jay Hartshorn brings to Bates significant Division I coaching experience coupled with a solid foundation of success as both a student-athlete and a coach at the Division III level,” said Suzanne Coffey, director of athletics at Bates.
“We are excited to welcome Jay to Bates and back to the high level of competition championed by the New England Small College Athletic Conference.”
Hartshorn recently returned from coaching at the Pan American Junior Athletics Championships held in Canada July 29-31. She holds U.S.A. Track and Field Levels I and II certifications.
Hartshorn was the assistant coach for cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field at Smith College from 1999-2001. She also worked in NESCAC for her alma mater, Colby College, as the assistant indoor and outdoor track and field coach from 1996-1999.
Hartshorn received her B.A. in government from Colby and her M.S. in exercise and sport studies from Smith. At Colby, Hartshorn was a highly accomplished runner and an outstanding student. She was a U.S. Track Coaches Association Academic All-American as well as an NCAA qualifier in cross country, and a three-time NCAA All-American in indoor and outdoor track and field. Hartshorn captained Colby’s indoor and outdoor track and field teams.
Predecessor to Hirsch and Hartshorn was Carolyn Court, who announced her retirement after 25 years of service to the College.
“I have known Carolyn Court for over 15 years and I have such great respect for her and the program that she has created at Bates. It is an honor to be following in the footsteps of someone with such caliber.”
Hartshorn will join the staff at the end of August.