Indiana University Athletics
Field Hockey Announces Coaching Additions
4/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana field hockey head coach Amanda Janney has announced staff additions, which includes three former Big Ten student-athletes. Kelly Terwilliger joins the team as associate head coach and Ayla Halus will serve as an assistant coach and goalkeeper specialist. In addition, recent Indiana grad and Hoosier field hockey alum Maggie Olson will join the program as a volunteer assistant coach.
“Our new assistants bring a special kind of energy, enthusiasm and spirit to our team and I'm really fortunate to have them join our program,” said Janney. “They played in the Big Ten and know the conference really well. With Kelly's coaching experience in the Big Ten, she brings a lot of on and off the field knowledge of how to win in the conference. Ayla's one of the best goalkeepers in the nation and is really going to help our defensive unit continue to get better.”
“They're also great people, have great character, great ethics and they're going to be outstanding role models for our student athletes,” said Janney.
Terwilliger comes to Indiana from Ohio State, where she spent three years as an assistant coach for the Buckeyes. At Ohio State, Terwilliger coached six NFHCA All-West Region and All-Big Ten honorees, while guiding the team to 28 NFHCA National Academic Squad selections.
“Indiana University is a special place and a great fit,” said Terwilliger. “I am excited about becoming a Hoosier and joining a program rich in history and tradition that competes in one of the best conferences in the country. The opportunity to work with a coach of AJ's caliber is exciting. I'm eager to share my experience and passion for the game with these talented and motivating young women.”
The East Stroudsburg, Pa. native played four years for Ohio State from 2004-07, starting in all 79 games, which ranks third in program history. She was named the team's Most Valuable Defender and was selected for the 2007 All-Big Ten Tournament team. In addition to on-field achievements, Terwilliger was a three-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete selection and was honored twice with Academic All-Big Ten honors.
Prior to accepting the assistant coach position with the Buckeyes, Terwilliger spent three years with Ohio University, serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. At Ohio, Terwilliger led the Bobcats to two MAC Conference and Tournament Championships, as well as a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 2011 Sweet Sixteen run.
Halus is another addition that brings not only strong coaching credentials, but also a decorated playing career in the Big Ten. The Hershey, Pa. native served as goalkeeper for Penn State, redshirting in 2008 and playing from 2009-12. Halus started 66 games in the net and recorded 19 career shutouts.
“Since I was an athlete in the Big Ten, I'm just really excited to be coaching in the Big Ten,” said Halus. “To be a fresh Division I coach in the Big Ten is an honor with high expectations and I'm really looking forward to it.”
For her excellence on the field, Halus was twice named NFHCA First Team All-Region, First Team All-Big Ten and Second Team NFHCA All-American. Halus was recognized for her academic success with Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, Academic All-Big Ten and NFHCA Academic Squad honors.
Olson, who graduated in December 2014 after five seasons as an Indiana goalkeeper, will serve as a volunteer assistant coach.
“Indiana has had some amazing student athletes come through the program and through getting to know her, I saw that she just brought something special and could make a positive impact on the team,” said Janney. “I think she's a great leader, she has good insight on the program and I think she'll be a great recruiter.”
Olson finished her Indiana career with 25 victories, the second-most in program history. While starting all 38 games in her junior and senior seasons, Olson recorded back-to-back seasons with more that 100 saves. Her 245-career saves rank third all-time.
“It's awesome that I get this opportunity to be a volunteer assistant coach for a program that I love so much and that I've dedicated so much of my time to,” said Olson. “I'm looking to make coaching a career of mine so it's just a fantastic opportunity to get my feet wet and work with my team again, it's about as good as a situation as it could be.”
The Hoosiers continue their spring schedule this Saturday as they play host to Miami (Ohio), Ohio State and Louisville. Admission is free to all fans.
Media contact: Caitlin Davis, davis288@indiana.edu
