(2003) - Shannon Hlebichuk graduated in 1998 from the University of Lowell, earning a BA in Psychology while playing with distinction on the University's field hockey team. Over the span of her field hockey career, Hlebichuk amassed 33 goals and a UML career record 29 assists, serving for two years as team captain. As a senior, she compiled 13 goals and 19 assists (45 points) to establish school records for assists and points in a single season. She was an integral player in helping the River Hawks to a 15-4 record in 1997.
Hlebichuk was twice named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division II All-America team and was named the 1997-98 NCAA Woman of the Year for the state of Massachusetts. Her field hockey prowess carried over to the classroom as she earned a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad three times. She was also named a GTE Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) and was a member of UML's Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
After graduation, Hlebichuk earned a master's degree in higher education at Arizona State University. Since Hlebichuk became Head Coach of the River Hawks team in 2002, she has guided the River Hawks to five straight Northeast-10 Conference Tournament championships, six consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament semifinal and the 2005 NCAA Championship. She has compiled a sterling record of 120-36 (.769).
Awards have been plenty in Hlebichuk's seven seasons for her and her players. She was named the Division II Coach of the Year by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) in 2003, 2005 and 2007; as well as the NE-10 Coach of the Year the last six years and NFHCA Division II North Coach of the Year four times. She has also guided her players to all-conference honors 34 times and All-American status 25 times - including five in both the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
Hlebichuk and her husband Korey reside in Nashua, NH, with their daughter Liv Marie, born in July 2003.
