LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Field Hockey Head Coach Shannon LeBlanc has announced Caitlin Little as the River Hawks' newest assistant coach. Little recently completed a successful collegiate playing tenure as a starter for both the Holy Cross and UMass Lowell programs.
 
"Taylor and I couldn't be more excited to have Caitlin join our staff," said LeBlanc. "She had a tremendous athletic career at both Holy Cross and UMass Lowell. Her club coaching experience is extensive for a young coach and we know that experience has prepared her well for this position. Her passion is player development and her coaching core values align perfectly with our program. Her grit on the field was unmatched this past season for UMass Lowell and I know she will bring that same quality over to the coaching ranks."
 
Despite wrapping up her playing career just last year, Little already has years of coaching experience with the Cape Ann Field Hockey Club. Having served on staff with the program since 2017, she is the longest tenured coach with Cape Ann FHC, and is currently the director of the academy and youth programs, as well as the head travel coach. During her time there, she has evaluated and coached teams, developed practice plans that teach technical skills, tactics, teamwork and sportsmanship, and organized players and parents during team competitions.
 
"I am beyond excited to be the newest member of the UMass Lowell field hockey staff," commented Little. "Over the past year, I have had the privilege of getting to be part of this amazing program and have learned so much. I am honored to be given this opportunity to continue on and be a part of such an incredible coaching staff. I truly believe this program is something special, and I can't wait to help it grow and succeed."
 
Little spent her undergraduate career as a Holy Cross Crusader, appearing in 48 total games with 32 starts and 11 points on five goals and one assist. The back was a two-time All-Patriot League Second Team selection and a Patriot League Academic Honor Roll selection. She then played her final season as a graduate transfer at UMass Lowell, starting all 19 games and compiling four points to help lead the River Hawks to their most successful year at the Division I level to date.
 
Upon completing her playing career at UMass Lowell, she also served as a student coach. In that role, she held individual and small group training sessions, clipped Spiideo film and created video presentations, and assisted with on-field practices, weight room and conditioning setup, and logistics of clinics/tournaments.
 
Little graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Holy Cross in 2022.