| Head coach Stefan Decosse and the Colgate women’s hockey program are excited to announce the addition of Heather Farrell as an assistant coach. Farrell joins the Raiders with more than 22 years of coaching experience across Division I athletics, prep school hockey, administration, and student-athlete development. Farrell most recently served as the Acting Head Coach during the 2025-26 season at Syracuse University, leading all aspects of the program’s day-to-day operations, player development, recruiting, culture, and competitive preparation. “We are thrilled to welcome Heather and her family to Colgate,” head coach Decosse said. “Heather brings a wealth of high-level coaching experience, but what stood out most was her passion for developing and leading student-athletes. She is an exceptional teacher who brings positivity, care, and genuine enthusiasm for the game into everything she does. Heather is deeply invested in people and in creating a positive student-athlete experience. We know she will have an immediate and lasting impact on our players, staff, and program. “Farrell joined Syracuse in 2022 following an exceptionally successful 11-year tenure as Head Coach at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire. During her time at St. Paul’s, she built one of the premier prep school programs in New England, compiling a 203-51-7 record and capturing New England Championships in 2015 and 2020. In addition to coaching, Farrell held several leadership positions within the institution, including Associate Dean of Admissions, Director of Office Management, student advisor, and contributor to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice initiatives.Prior to St. Paul’s, Farrell spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Bemidji State University, where she oversaw player development, team systems, special teams, and academic support. Her penalty kill unit led the Western Collegiate Hockey Association with a 90.5% success rate during her tenure. She also served as a physical education, health, and sport instructor and participated on the university’s Student Affairs committee. Farrell began her collegiate coaching career at Bowdoin College in 2004. In 2006-07, she was elevated to Interim Head Coach and guided the program to a 17-7-2 record and a berth in the NESCAC Tournament semifinals. Across her three seasons on staff, Bowdoin compiled a 54-21-4 overall record and earned an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.A 2004 graduate of The Ohio State University, Farrell earned a degree in Sport Studies with a minor in Coaching and Sport Performance. As a student-athlete, she appeared in 132 games for the Buckeyes and helped lead the program to a berth in the WCHA semifinals during her senior season. “I am incredibly excited to join the Colgate women’s hockey program and become part of such an outstanding coaching staff,” Farrell added. “From everyone I met throughout the process, it was clear that there is a genuine commitment across the university to supporting one another and investing in each other’s success. Colgate has built an established and successful hockey program, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to contribute to that continued success.” |
