Temple University Athletics
Carissa Vittese Returns as Field Hockey Volunteer Assistant
6.14.19 | Field Hockey
PHILADELPHIA - Two years after earning her master's degree at Temple and leaving to play for Team USA, Carissa Vittese is returning as a volunteer assistant for first-year field hockey coach Susan Ciufo's staff. Michelle Vittese, Carissa's older sister, is also on staff as an assistant coach for the Owls.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Carissa back to Temple," said Ciufo. "Carissa's previous experience will allow for an easy transition. Some of our veteran players have had the opportunity to previously work with her. Carissa brings back a wealth of knowledge and experience through her time coaching and playing at the highest level. She's the perfect fit for our highly ambitious staff and our group of young women who are eager to take this program to the next level."Â Â
The younger Vittese previously spent two years as the program's director of operations from 2015-17 while working toward her master's degree in educational leadership. Just before her time at Temple came to an end, Vittese was named to the U.S. Women's Field Hockey National Team.
She was a member of the squad that took third place at the 2017 Pan American Cup and seventh in the 2017 World League Finals. She has also competed for the United States in the International Festival of Hockey and the Four Nations Women's Ibaraki International Tournament. She is no longer on the squad but both Carissa and Michelle Vittese are currently on the roster for the U.S. Women's Indoor National Team.
A 2014 graduate of the University of Virginia, Vittese was named to the All-ACC Second Team and also earned Second Team All-Region accolades as a senior. She also earned Second Team All-Region honors as a junior. The Cavaliers reached three NCAA Tournaments during her career, including a Final Four appearance in 2010.
During the last two years, Vittese not only played for Team USA but also coached for the Spirit of USA Field Hockey Club, owned by her family. Her U14 and U16 teams qualified for Nationals recently, and Vittese earned her USAFH level 2 coaching accreditation in early 2019. For the spring season, Vittese was an interim assistant coach for Saint Joseph's field hockey, a team coming off an 18-3 season and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
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"We are extremely excited to welcome Carissa back to Temple," said Ciufo. "Carissa's previous experience will allow for an easy transition. Some of our veteran players have had the opportunity to previously work with her. Carissa brings back a wealth of knowledge and experience through her time coaching and playing at the highest level. She's the perfect fit for our highly ambitious staff and our group of young women who are eager to take this program to the next level."Â Â
The younger Vittese previously spent two years as the program's director of operations from 2015-17 while working toward her master's degree in educational leadership. Just before her time at Temple came to an end, Vittese was named to the U.S. Women's Field Hockey National Team.
She was a member of the squad that took third place at the 2017 Pan American Cup and seventh in the 2017 World League Finals. She has also competed for the United States in the International Festival of Hockey and the Four Nations Women's Ibaraki International Tournament. She is no longer on the squad but both Carissa and Michelle Vittese are currently on the roster for the U.S. Women's Indoor National Team.
A 2014 graduate of the University of Virginia, Vittese was named to the All-ACC Second Team and also earned Second Team All-Region accolades as a senior. She also earned Second Team All-Region honors as a junior. The Cavaliers reached three NCAA Tournaments during her career, including a Final Four appearance in 2010.
During the last two years, Vittese not only played for Team USA but also coached for the Spirit of USA Field Hockey Club, owned by her family. Her U14 and U16 teams qualified for Nationals recently, and Vittese earned her USAFH level 2 coaching accreditation in early 2019. For the spring season, Vittese was an interim assistant coach for Saint Joseph's field hockey, a team coming off an 18-3 season and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
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