University of Delaware Athletics
van de Kerkhof Steps Down as Head Field Hockey Coach
2/3/2025 9:30:00 AM | Field Hockey
NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware Head Field Hockey Coach Rolf van de Kerkhof is stepping down, Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak announced Monday. Assistant coach Jason Klinkradt will serve as the interim head coach with a national search commencing immediately.
"I want to thank Rolf for everything he has done for the field hockey program," Rawak said. "The Blue Hens are a nationally recognized team because of the 2016 National Championship and subsequent CAA Championship runs. Our field hockey student-athletes have excelled in the classroom, on the field, and in the community during Rolf's tenure at UD."
In his 14 years at the helm, van de Kerkhof became the all-time winningest coach in program history. This season he became the 34th coach in NCAA history with 250 career wins, claiming 179 at UD. The Blue & Gold claimed 10 of the last 12 CAA Championships, including this past fall.
"It has been an amazing 14 years and a privilege to be the head coach of our Delaware Field Hockey program. I have been blessed to coach so many extraordinary and talented student-athletes," van de Kerkhof said. "Together, we have built a legacy and have made Delaware Field Hockey the DEHO Dynasty it is today. I would like to share my sincere appreciation to all the student-athletes, practice players, assistant coaches and student assistant coaches, athletic trainers and AT students, support staff, sports administrators, athletic directors, and presidents, and University of Delaware leadership and faculty with whom I have been fortunate to be working alongside. It is the people – their passions, gifts, and aspirations to UD academic and athletic prominence – who are the foundation for the development and success of this program. My family and I are looking forward to cheering on the future Blue Hen teams and staying in touch with our Delaware Field Hockey Family."
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware field hockey, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
"I want to thank Rolf for everything he has done for the field hockey program," Rawak said. "The Blue Hens are a nationally recognized team because of the 2016 National Championship and subsequent CAA Championship runs. Our field hockey student-athletes have excelled in the classroom, on the field, and in the community during Rolf's tenure at UD."
In his 14 years at the helm, van de Kerkhof became the all-time winningest coach in program history. This season he became the 34th coach in NCAA history with 250 career wins, claiming 179 at UD. The Blue & Gold claimed 10 of the last 12 CAA Championships, including this past fall.
"It has been an amazing 14 years and a privilege to be the head coach of our Delaware Field Hockey program. I have been blessed to coach so many extraordinary and talented student-athletes," van de Kerkhof said. "Together, we have built a legacy and have made Delaware Field Hockey the DEHO Dynasty it is today. I would like to share my sincere appreciation to all the student-athletes, practice players, assistant coaches and student assistant coaches, athletic trainers and AT students, support staff, sports administrators, athletic directors, and presidents, and University of Delaware leadership and faculty with whom I have been fortunate to be working alongside. It is the people – their passions, gifts, and aspirations to UD academic and athletic prominence – who are the foundation for the development and success of this program. My family and I are looking forward to cheering on the future Blue Hen teams and staying in touch with our Delaware Field Hockey Family."
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware field hockey, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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