University of Maine Athletics

Francesca Rowley enters her first season as an assistant coach for the University of Maine Field Hockey team after playing for the black bears in 2013-2014 and volunteering for the black bears in spring 2015. 

In 2012 Rowley served as the assistant coach for the St. Hildas Girls high school team, leading the team to eighth place in the New Zealand Secondary Schools competition (Federation Cup). Rowley is not limited to field hockey coaching and spent 7 years as a junior tennis coach in Auckland, New Zealand. 

While at UMaine: Senior (2013): Rowley played and started all 20 matches for the Black Bears in her first year as a University of Maine graduate student. She finished the year with six points, as she was a key defender and contributor to Maine’s penalty corner unit. On Sept. 28, she scored her first career goal against UMass-Lowell, helping the squad to a 4-0 victory. Further, Rowley tallied an assist in three-straight games. Her fourth assist of the season was recorded on Nov. 2 as the Black Bears rolled to a 9-1 victory over Vermont. Rowley was named to the America East All-Conference second team and was announced a member of the NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad. Rowley was also awarded the 2013 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA Division I Scholar of Distinction. 

Before Maine: Rowley represented the Southern region in 2011 in the New Zealand Women's National Hockey League, with the team achieving eighth place in the tournament. Prior to this Rowley represented Southern in the New Zealand National U21 Women’s Field Hockey competition, competing from 2009 to 2011. Rowley helped lead the Otago University Field Hockey Club to the Premier 1 Club Championship in 2011 and 2009 and to second place in 2012. From 2004 to 2008 she represented Auckland in U15 and U18 National Tournaments. She served as captain of the Kings College high school field hockey team in 2008, received 2007 MVP, and was named top scorer in 2007 and 2008. Rowley graduated from Kings College the same year. 

Education: Rowley is currently fulfilling a KPE graduate assistantship under Dr. Robert Lehnhard. In addition, she is pursuing a strength and conditioning internship with the UMaine Athletic Speed, Strength and Conditioning Department.

Rowley completed a Bachelor of Physical Education, double majoring in Exercise Prescription and Sports Management from Otago University.  She is currently completing her masters in Kinesiology and Physical Education.