By: Kyle Piercy, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
DANVILLE, Ky. – Longtime field hockey coach Jenelle Anthony Downs has been named Assistant Athletic Director for Development within the Centre athletics department, it was announced today.
Downs emerged as the successful candidate following a national search, and will transition from her role as head coach of the Centre field hockey program after serving in that position for 11 seasons.
"There is never an easy time to step away from the sport that has been a part of my life since seventh grade, but I know in my heart that this is a wonderful opportunity move to my next chapter," Downs said. "Centre gave me my first head coaching opportunity, and I'm thankful to be afforded a new opportunity at the same place that has truly become my home.
"All the 'thank you's' in the world would not be enough to express my gratitude for the support Centre, our current administration, and the program has shown me in my 11 years as the head field hockey coach. I am excited for this new opportunity to continue supporting our athletic department and the college as a whole.
"Jenelle's passion for developing our Colonel student-athletes and her dedication to Centre make her a natural fit for this role," said Deputy Athletic Director
Aly Lilley. "Her leadership within the department has been invaluable over the years, especially since she's led the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Centre Athletic Awards Show and other ventures. We are very excited to have her continue to be part of the team."
Downs transformed the Colonel field hockey team into perennial conference and national contenders during her tenure. Centre claimed nine total Southern Athletic Association titles in 10 eligible seasons (no championships were awarded for the 2020 season), and Downs was voted SAA Coach of the Year by her peers seven times.
Centre rose to national prominence in 2013 when Downs led the Colonels to their first ever NCAA "Sweet 16" following a historic 1-0 win at top-20 Lynchburg. In 2017, Centre pieced together its best showing ever in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the "Elite Eight" for the first time. Downs, who was without an assistant coach during the season, was named the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Region Coach of the Year for her efforts.
Her student-athletes have matched that excellence off the field, as well. Seven of her teams have earned NFHCA Academic Team Awards, and she's had 74 individual NFHCA National Academic Selections and six NFHCA Scholars of Distinction.
Prior to joining the Colonels, Downs was the Graduate Assistant Field Hockey Coach at Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y., where she completed her Master's of Science Degree in Sports Business Management in May 2011.
Downs received her Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design and Advertising from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa., where she was a four-year Varsity Letter Winner, Team Captain, First and Second Team All-Landmark Conference Selection and Longstreth/NFHCA All-South Atlantic Region and All-American Selection.
