PHOTO CREDIT: Cindy Russell Photography
Former St. Joe's standout Theresa (Hendrix) Arsenault '14 set to take the reins for the Monks
STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph's College Chief Athletics & Recreation Officer Will Rothermel is pleased to announce that former three-sport standout Theresa (Hendrix) Arsenault '14 has been named as the Head Coach of the Monks' field hockey program.
Arsenault returns to the Shores of Sebago after building a powerhouse program at Cheverus High School, her alma mater, where she piloted the Stags to a pair of Maine State Championships (2021, 2023) and three consecutive Southern Maine Regional and SMAA Championships (2021-23) in five seasons at the helm. Widely recognized as one of the best high school skippers in the state as well as the region, Arsenault was tabbed as the Max Field Hockey New England and Maine Coach of the Year, SMAA Coach of the Year, and Forecaster Fall Season Coach of the Year in 2021.
Prior to her time at Cheverus, Arsenault was the head coach of the Westbrook High School program for one season (2018) and led the Blue Blazes to a Southern Maine Regional title. She also headed up the Cheverus softball program for seven seasons (2017-2023) and served stints as an assistant coach for the Portland High School and Cheverus girls' basketball teams for a total of eight years.
A member of the Monks' most recent Athletics Hall of Fame Class, Arsenault was one of the finest and most decorated athletes in SJC athletics history, she earned a total of 38 academic and athletic accolades – including 2015 GNAC Woman of the Year honors – while starring for the Monks' field hockey, basketball, and softball programs. In the three sports combined, Arsenault – who hails from Scarborough - played in 314 games and helped her teams post a collective 256-96 (.727) overall record with a 142-32 (.816) mark in conference play. Her teams never missed the postseason during her time at St. Joe's, as she helped lead her teams to six conference championship appearances, four GNAC titles, and four NCAA Tournament berths.
Arsenault fills the position left by legendary Head Coach Rupert Lewis, who registered a 224-119 (.653) overall record and led the Monks to four-consecutive conference championships (2016-19) during his 19 years on the SJC sidelines. In 10 seasons as a member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), the Monks sported an incredible 60-9 (.870) record versus conference foes and notched a 25-game winning streak, spanning nearly five years, versus GNAC teams. Lewis garnered five conference coach of the year accolades and retired in November as the SJC field hockey program's all-time leader – by wide margins - in victories and winning percentage.
A four-year starter for Coach Lewis at St. Joe's, Arsenault tallied 14 goals, 21 assists, and 49 points in 71 games and, upon graduation, ranked fifth in career assists and seventh in total points. Following her senior season, the midfielder claimed First Team NFHCA All-Region and GNAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
"I am honored to get the opportunity to come back to my alma mater to coach field hockey," adds Arsenault. "An important part of my time at St. Joe's, athletics gave me a sense of community, support, and growth. I am extremely excited to be able to continue those traditions of the school and help foster excellence in individuals and teams both on the field hockey field and beyond. I'm proud to be a MONK!"
In addition to her head coaching responsibilities, Arsenault will be coordinating the athletic department's 'performance programs' to enhance the overall experience for all student-athletes by helping deliver education and tools to improve performance through nutrition, mental performance, sleep, and other means.
"We are so thrilled and fortunate to welcome Theresa back to Saint Joseph's to lead our field hockey program," says Rothermel. "Not only did she have a hall of fame career as a multi-sport student-athlete, but she has also quickly established herself as a high-level coach capable of achieving at a championship level. Throughout the interview process, Theresa's drive, passion, and commitment to the 'whole student-athlete' shone through and I am so excited that she will be bringing that to our field hockey program and athletics department!"
Arsenault resides in Scarborough with her husband Michael and young son Kolbyn.
