BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England Director of Athletics Kim Allen announced today that Joan Howard has been promoted to Assistant Director of Athletics and Business Manager and will no longer serve as Head Field Hockey Coach.

Howard concluded her tenure as UNE's field hockey coach in style, leading the Nor'easters to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Championship -- the institution's first-ever ECAC title. UNE won a school-record 16 games (just three losses) and finished tied for first place in The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) regular-season standings. For her team's accomplishments, Howard was voted TCCC Coach of the Year.

In her three seasons as field hockey coach, Howard compiled a 28-23 record and led the Nor'easters to three consecutive TCCC playoff appearances.

"Joan did an outstanding job of elevating our field hockey program to regional prominence," Allen said. "The promotion of Joan to Assistant Director of Athletics speaks to the strength of her skills -- she will be a wonderful addition to our administrative team."

In her new position, Howard will work closely with the budget and will oversee the daily financial operation of the department. She will continue to serve as Compliance Coordinator for the athletics department.

"It has always been a professional goal of mine to be an administrator in an athletics department," Howard commented. "It was not an easy decision to leave coaching, but I know it is time for me to step aside for someone to take this team to the next level and to pursue the next step in my professional career."