Temple University Athletics
Olympian Michelle Vittese Named Assistant Coach of Temple Field Hockey
3.4.19 | Field Hockey
PHILADELPHIA - Bringing an impressive background of international playing experience at the highest levels, Michelle Vittese has joined Temple field hockey's staff as an assistant coach, announced new head coach Susan Ciufo.
Vittese, a three-time All-American at the University of Virginia, had an eight-year career with the United States Women's National Field Hockey Team. She played in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and earned a total of 211 international caps.
"We are very excited to add Michelle to our staff," said Ciufo. "Michelle's playing experience, paired with her determination to excel at the highest level internationally, set her apart in the interview process. Temple field hockey will benefit tremendously through Michelle's ability to add value in all facets of the game."Â Â Â
Since 2012, Vittese has gained coaching and administrative experience with the Spirit of USA club team based in New Jersey. She was responsible for coaching 200 athletes from ages 6-18, doing so while also playing for the USA until October of 2018.
"I am beyond thrilled to begin the next chapter of my career coaching at Temple," said Vittese. "I would like to thank Susan Ciufo, (assistant coach) Ross Gilham-Jones and the Temple administration for granting me the opportunity to contribute to their vision for Temple as an assistant coach. I am truly grateful for my playing career, for the experience I have gained by competing at a high level and for my club coaching experience. I am appreciative to be granted an opportunity to further my coaching career and learn from such incredible people. I am enthusiastic to move forward with Temple University and create a culture of excellence on and off the field."Â Â Â Â
Field hockey is a family affair for Vittese and her younger sisters, Carissa and Tara, who both also played at UVA. Carissa was a graduate assistant/director of operations for Temple from 2015-17. She joined her older sister on the US National Team in 2017-18. Tara, the youngest sister, was also on the US National Team and is the only player to ever earn Longstreth/NFHCA National Player of the Year honors three times while she played at UVA.
Internationally, Vittese won four gold medals with Team USA including two golds at Pan American Games in 2011 and 2015.Â
Vittese, a native of Cherry Hill, N.J., graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's degree in history in 2013.
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Vittese, a three-time All-American at the University of Virginia, had an eight-year career with the United States Women's National Field Hockey Team. She played in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and earned a total of 211 international caps.
"We are very excited to add Michelle to our staff," said Ciufo. "Michelle's playing experience, paired with her determination to excel at the highest level internationally, set her apart in the interview process. Temple field hockey will benefit tremendously through Michelle's ability to add value in all facets of the game."Â Â Â
Since 2012, Vittese has gained coaching and administrative experience with the Spirit of USA club team based in New Jersey. She was responsible for coaching 200 athletes from ages 6-18, doing so while also playing for the USA until October of 2018.
"I am beyond thrilled to begin the next chapter of my career coaching at Temple," said Vittese. "I would like to thank Susan Ciufo, (assistant coach) Ross Gilham-Jones and the Temple administration for granting me the opportunity to contribute to their vision for Temple as an assistant coach. I am truly grateful for my playing career, for the experience I have gained by competing at a high level and for my club coaching experience. I am appreciative to be granted an opportunity to further my coaching career and learn from such incredible people. I am enthusiastic to move forward with Temple University and create a culture of excellence on and off the field."Â Â Â Â
Field hockey is a family affair for Vittese and her younger sisters, Carissa and Tara, who both also played at UVA. Carissa was a graduate assistant/director of operations for Temple from 2015-17. She joined her older sister on the US National Team in 2017-18. Tara, the youngest sister, was also on the US National Team and is the only player to ever earn Longstreth/NFHCA National Player of the Year honors three times while she played at UVA.
Internationally, Vittese won four gold medals with Team USA including two golds at Pan American Games in 2011 and 2015.Â
Vittese, a native of Cherry Hill, N.J., graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's degree in history in 2013.
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