ORONO, Maine – University of Maine field hockey head coach has announced the hiring of associate head coach Mike Van Iderstine.
"I am thrilled to welcome Mike to our coaching staff and the Black Bear family," said Babineau. "Mike has a great passion for the game and has a strong background in player development. His international coaching experience and knowledge will be extremely beneficial to our program. I am excited to work with him and I can't wait for Mike to get started with us."
Van Iderstine brings with him a wealth of experience on the international field hockey scene with recruiting and player development and over six years of coaching experience at the club, provincial, university, national and international levels.
"When Josette first reached out to me about the opportunity to join her staff at the University of Maine, it was a very easy decision," said Van Iderstine. "As a fellow Canadian who has built an outstanding career in the NCAA, she is someone I have a lot of respect for. Her experience and success make her an incredible mentor, and I look forward to working alongside her as I begin the next chapter of my coaching career in the United States."
For the past two years, Van Iderstine has served as the Pathway Lead and Coach for Field Hockey Canada where he managed all elements of the Field Hockey Canada talent pathway strategy, including five national training centers across the country covering over 200 athletes. Van Iderstine developed program curriculum, talent identification, practice plans, and individual performance plans while overseeing all competition aspects for Field Hockey Canada's National Youth Teams.
Van Iderstine currently serves as an assistant coach with the U21 Canadian Women's National Team and as a trainer with the Canadian Senior Women's National Team. He was appointed the U18 Canadian Women's National Team Head Coach in 2024 and was an assistant coach and analyst for the U21 Men's and Women's National Team.
Collegiately, Van Iderstine spent time on staff at both the University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia, serving as an assistant coach during both stints.
"I am very grateful to Josette and the University of Maine administration for giving me this opportunity and believing in me," added Van Iderstine. "Joining a program with such a strong tradition and great people is something I am truly excited about, and I look forward to helping our student-athletes succeed both on and off the field."
As an athlete, Van Iderstine has competed at the highest levels in the Scottish 1st National League, English National League, French National League, the Vancouver Premier League, and represented the British Columbia Provincial Team for five seasons.
Van Iderstine holds a Master's degree in sport management from the Johan Cruyff Institute, a FIH Level 3 Coach Certification, and NCCP Competition-Development credentials. In 2025, he was selected to the Euro Hockey Federation Top Coaches program, as a result of his work as Head Coach of SCO Angers Men's 1st team competing in French National league and is currently completing his FIH Level 4 Coach Certification.
-UMaine-
