By: UMass Boston Athletics

Boston, MA (Mar. 5, 2025) --- Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics and Recreation, Dr. Jacqueline Schuman, has announced the appointment of Amanda Arpé as the inaugural Head Women's Field Hockey Coach at UMass Boston. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Arpé to UMass Boston," said Schuman. "Her extensive experience and leadership in both coaching and athletic administration, coupled with her passion for the sport and her ability to build strong teams both on and off the field, makes her the perfect fit to establish a successful and competitive program here at UMass Boston." 

"First, I would like to thank Dr. Jacqui Schuman, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics and Recreation, as well as the hiring committee, for entrusting me with the unique opportunity to launch the Field Hockey program at UMass Boston. I would also like to thank all of my mentors both on and off the field who have helped me grow into the coach I am today," said Arpé. "During my time on campus, I was truly impressed by the dedication of the Athletic Staff in creating a competitive, diverse, and top-tier experience for the student-athletes. I am honored by the challenge of building an excellent Field Hockey program for the Beacons. I look forward to starting the recruiting process and getting on the field this Fall!" 

Arpé joins UMass Boston after a highly successful tenure at Simmons University, where she served as both Associate Athletic Director and Head Field Hockey Coach from June 2010 to June 2023. 

As a coach, Arpé led every aspect of the thriving NCAA Division III program. Her responsibilities included recruiting, scouting, budgeting, fundraising, hiring and supervising staff, and leading daily practices. Her strong leadership and coaching were reflected in the team's competitive success and academic achievements. Under her guidance, the Sharks earned 12 consecutive postseason appearances, including back-to-back GNAC titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2014 and 2015. 

Arpé also guided 10 players to major postseason honors, with four earning Offensive Player of the Year, three named Defensive Player of the Year, and three recognized as Rookie of the Year in both the NAC and GNAC. She was also selected as the conference Coach of the Year by her peers in both 2013 and 2014. 

Academically, Arpé's teams excelled, earning National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Academic Team honors each year under her leadership. Additionally, 29 student-athletes were recognized as NFHCA Scholars of Distinction for maintaining a GPA of 3.9 or higher. 

Before her time at Simmons, Arpé had coaching stops at Stonehill College, Mashpee High School, and Archbishop Williams High School. Arpe was also active off the field, serving as a member of the NFHCA All-Region/All-American Committee. 

A graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Arpé majored in History and American Studies and personally knows competitive success at the highest level as a member of the 2000 Division III National Championship Varsity Field Hockey team. 

Arpé will begin her new role on March 17.