VANCOUVER – The UBC Thunderbirds are pleased to announce that alumnus Richard Hildreth (Vancouver, B.C.) has been named the interim head coach of the UBC Women's Field Hockey Program. Hildreth, an accomplished player and coach both locally and internationally, takes over the position from Poonam Sandhu who is currently on parental leave.
 
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to coach the UBC Women's Field Hockey program," said Richard Hildreth. "It is such a privilege for me to work with a program that has such a strong and consistent history of excellence. I'm so excited to get to work with the athletes this year. I'm hopeful that I can continue to build on the incredible work and team culture that has been shaped by Poonam and previous coaches like Robin D'Abreo and Hash Kanjee."
 
Before returning to his alma mater, Hildreth served as the head coach for Field Hockey Quebec and Chelsea Phoenix (2020-2022) while doubling as the assistant coach for the Canadian men's national U21 team (2021-Present). Hildreth also spent four years as head coach of the King's College London men's team where he captured three consecutive league championships in 2016, 2017 and 2018. During the 2015-16 season he guided the Vancouver Hawk's men's Premier team to an undefeated season and a league championship.
 
As a player, Hildreth appeared in 188 games internationally for Canada from 2004-2021. He represented Canada twice at the World Cup (2010 and 2018) and three times at the Commonwealth Games (2010, 2014 and 2018). His professional career spanned nine seasons and included stints in the UK Premier division with Surbiton HC, Hampstead & Westminster HC and East Grinstead HC. He also played professionally in Germany for Berliner Hockey Club (Bundesliga) and in Australia for Altona Hockey Club (Melbourne). His university career began with UBC in 2006 and ran through 2011. UBC captured the league championship in four of his five seasons.


 
"I feel very fortunate that I was able to pursue such a long career as an athlete," Hildreth continued. "I learned so many valuable lessons during my journey as an athlete. I'm eager to always continue learning from coaches and athletes. I'm also keen to share my knowledge and experience with the athletes and to create an environment where they can thrive both on and off the field. For me, it is important to ensure that the athletes have a voice and that the staff and athletes collaborate to create our team culture and values."
 
"We are thrilled to have Richard return to UBC in a head coaching role and to have his field hockey journey come full circle," added UBC Director of Athletics, Students Services, Leah Pezer. "Richard brings a wealth of international experience to the position as both a player and coach, and we believe that the student-athletes will benefit greatly from this.  Aside from his on-field expertise, Richard's student-athlete centered approach, and commitment to our values of teamwork and well-being stood out the most during the interview process. He's the ideal choice to maintain the excellent standards and culture that Poonam and our entire women's field hockey program has maintained over the years."
 
 "We are excited to see what the year brings and we wish Poonam the absolute best during her parental leave," Pezer concluded.