Callie Lekas '10 Returns to Wellesley as Head Field Hockey Coach
WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Bethany Ellis, Director of Athletics and Chair of the Department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics (PERA) at Wellesley College has announced the hiring of Callie Lekas '10 as Head Field Hockey Coach and PERA Assistant Professor of the Practice. Per department records, Lekas is the first alumna student-athlete in program history to return to Wellesley College as a head coach.
"I am happy to be the first to welcome Callie back home to Wellesley as Head Field Hockey Coach," said Ellis. "She is a natural fit within the department and I am confident that she will lead the field hockey team to sustained success."
A three-time New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) and National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) First Team All-Region selection (2007, 2008, 2009) as a Blue student-athlete, Lekas scored 57 goals and added 22 assists in her collegiate career, while helping the program win 53 games and make trips to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2006 and the NEWMAC title game in both 2007 and 2008.
"Looking back at my college experience, being a student-athlete and working in the athletic department was such an influential part of my four years. I look forward to providing a space where the women of the field hockey program can grow and learn just as I did. Wellesley truly is a special place and I am beyond thankful to be a part of the campus community again."
Lekas returns to Wellesley after spending the last three seasons as Head Coach at NEWMAC rival Clark University in Worcester, Mass. While at Clark, she also served as the Director of Intramurals, SAAC Liaison, and as a member of the Career Development and Operations Committees. She is also active in the local field hockey community, having coached with the Styx Field Hockey Club, Strikers Stars Field Hockey Club, and with USA Futures Field Hockey.
"I would like to thank Bethany Ellis, Lauren Haynie, Tessa Spillane and the rest of the Search Committee for entrusting this program to me," said Lekas. "In addition, I'd like to thank Clark and Athletic Director Trish Cronin, for giving me my first head coaching position and helping me prepare for this next role."
Prior to her time at Clark, Lekas was an assistant coach for four seasons at Wellesley, helping to guide the Blue to three consecutive NCAA Elite Eight appearances in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and NEWMAC regular season and tournament championships in 2013 and 2014. Wellesley went a perfect 8-0 in NEWMAC play in both 2013 and 2014 and 29-3 in league action during her four seasons as an assistant. The Blue also set the program record for wins in a season, with 19, in 2014. In addition to her work with the Blue, Lekas was instrumental in establishing the partnership between Wellesley and the Wellesley Scoops Field Hockey Club, helping to teach the game to hundreds of girls in Wellesley and surrounding communities.
Lekas graduated from Wellesley with a degree in psychology before earning her master's in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2012. While at UMass, Lekas spent one year as an assistant at Amherst College, helping to lead the team to a 15-4 mark and an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2011.
"I am eager to get on campus to start working with the team. Wellesley Field Hockey has a history of success and I hope to maintain that by creating a positive team culture that emphasizes competitiveness, growth, and balance. With the new Butler Stadium, Wellesley field hockey is slated for a new beginning that I'm excited to be a part of!"
Wellesley Athletics strives for excellence at the conference, regional, and national levels, while providing opportunities for students to achieve their potential and learn the values of discipline, leadership, critical thinking, and responsibility to oneself and others.