July 11, 2008

HAMDEN, Conn. – Quinnipiac University Director of Athletics and Recreation Jack McDonald and Field Hockey Head Coach Becca Kohli have announced that former Quinnipiac field hockey player Cheryl Torino '06 has been named as a field hockey first assistant coach. Torino was a four-year letterwinner for Quinnipiac, playing from 2002 through 2006.

A forward for Quinnipiac, Torino was proficient at the right wing and was known for her powerful cross ball as well as her speed in transition. During her time as a Bobcat, Quinnipiac won the 2003 Northeast Conference Championship and competed in the NCAA Division I play-in game.

Prior to returning Quinnipiac Torino was an assistant coach at North Branford (Conn.) High School, where she also attended, for field hockey and lacrosse in 2006-07. At North Branford the field hockey team captured its first state title in 20 years as Torino's former coach and mentor, Babby Nuhn, was named the local and national Coach of the Year.

In 2007-08 Torino served as the first assistant for the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. Torino's main duties for the Division III program included the planning and implementation of practices specifically designed for goalkeepers; recruiting potential student-athletes; conducting daily practice plans and goals; designing in- and out-of-season workout programs; reconnecting alumni; as well as organizing spring field hockey clinics.

Torino follows in the footsteps of many Quinnipiacs field hockey players who have returned to to coach including Lauren Gallagher (formerly Labreque), Erin Begley, Tara Griffiths (formerly Thibeault), Amy Hollister, Courtney Ryan, Jill DiSanti, Sarah Mathers, Kristin Crosby, Eileen Gallagher and Megan DeCesaris. Other Quinnipiac field hockey alumni have also assumed coaching positions at various universities and high schools including Stacy Durrin, Julie Smith and Kara Weber.

"I know my team is very excited to welcome one of their former players back to Quinnipiac," Kohli said. "It is important to me that we keep the tradition surrounding the field hockey program as the primary facet and foundation of the team for our new players. Cheryl's two years of coaching experience will be an asset to this year's team. I take great pride in all the positive qualities that the field hockey alumnae hold and Cheryl is the embodiment of those. I am pleased to announce her as part of our coaching staff for 2008."

Torino's coaching experience also includes the Nike Field Hockey Camp in Fairfield, Conn., and the Quinnipiac Field Hockey camp in addition to serving as the director of the North Branford (Conn.) High School Field Hockey Camp.

Torino graduated from Quinnipiac with a bachelor's of science degree in sociology with a minor in history in 2006. Cheryl resides in North Branford, Conn.