LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Toby Pratt has joined the Bellarmine field hockey staff as assistant coach and head coach for the Knights. Devaney Boisvert It was announced today.
“I am excited to welcome Toby to Bellarmine field hockey,” said Boisvert. “His passion for field hockey and ability to connect and develop players impressed me from our first conversation. His knowledge of the game, pressure strategies and sports performance background will be great assets to the program. It's clear that Toby will be instrumental in mentoring and educating our players on and off the field and helping us become a top-tier MAC program.”
Pratt comes to Bellarmine after serving one season as an assistant coach at Division III Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where he helped the Lynx to a 14-4 overall record and a Southern Athletic Association Tournament championship.
“I am excited to join the coaching staff at Bellarmine University and look forward to contributing to the team and building on the success they have had to date,” said Pratt. “I have a passion and enthusiasm for field hockey and a wealth of experience as both a player and coach.”
A native of New Zealand, Pratt boasts more than 10 years of international playing and coaching experience and a deep education in exercise science research.
“I have a Master's degree in Sport and Exercise Science, specialising in high performance sport, so I have a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles underlying athletic performance,” Pratt said.
Pratt also holds an International Field Hockey Federation Level 1 coaching certification.
Pratt will take up the role of assistant coach for the New Zealand Women's O35 Masters Hockey Team from July 2022, focusing on pressing strategies to improve defensive efficiency and overall team performance at domestic and international tournaments.
Pratt also served as the Taranaki Hockey Federation U18 Girls Head Coach from 2021 to 2023. Other previous coaching roles include Sacred Heart Girls' College (New Plymouth, New Zealand) 1st XI Head Coach (2022-2023), Thames Valley Hockey Association Coach Developer and U16 Head Coach (2020-present), Suburbs Piako Premier Boys Head Coach (2020-21), Waikato Hockey Association Development Coach (2019-21), Waikato University Hockey Club Premier Reserve Boys Head Coach (2018-19), Midland Hockey Association Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (2018-19) and Hamilton Boys' High School 1st XI Head Coach (2020-present).st XI Head Coach (2018-19).
“My coaching philosophy embraces a holistic approach and seeks to foster excellence on and off the field,” Pratt said. “I look forward to working with dedicated colleagues and players at Bellarmine University. I believe that as a cohesive program, we will celebrate our wins, learn from our challenges and always push the boundaries of what we can accomplish together.”
As a player, Pratt was named team MVP for the New Plymouth Old Boys Premier Men's team in 2022, helping the team win the club championship, he was also named team MVP for the Suburbs Spiaco Premier Men's team in 2019, Waikato University Hockey Club in 2016 and Tauhara College (High School) in 2015, where he was also the league's top goal scorer.
The Knights will open their 2024 campaign on Saturday, Aug. 31, with a neutral-site game against Central Michigan University in St. Louis.
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