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June 13, 2001

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- American University head field hockey coach Steve Jennings added two new members to his staff as recent graduates Sarah Thorn and Brittany D’Augustine were named assistant coaches with the program.

A former Big 10 standout at the University of Iowa, Thorn was a four-year starter for the Hawkeyes from 1996-99, earning All-America status her senior season and All-Big Ten honors three times throughout her career. She was a two-time Regional All-America selection and was named to the Big 10 All-Tournament team in 1999 as she helped Iowa to an NCAA Final Four appearance.

An undergraduate assistant coach for the Hawkeyes last season, Thorn graduated in May with dual degrees in marketing and communication studies. In 1998, she returned to her high school alma mater, Methacton (Pa.), to coach its field hockey camp while also coaching at the Circle Play Field Hockey Camp at James Madison University and the Advanced Play Field Hockey Camp at the University of Maryland. She most recently served as a coach at the Champions Edge Field Hockey Clinic in St. Louis this spring.

"We are very fortunate to have Sarah joining our staff because of the tremendous experience she had as a player at Iowa," said Jennings. "She was part of a very successful program as a player and as a coach last season and she brings along that winning mentality that we need."

D’Augustine comes to American after a successful undergraduate career as the starting goalkeeper at Dartmouth College. Named the team’s MVP her senior season, D’Augustine was an All-Ivy selection and started every single game of her four-year career in goal for the Big Green. She ranks second in goals against average, saves, save percentage and shutouts for both single season and career statistics at Darmouth.

D’Augustine, who earned dual degrees in biology and psychological and brain sciences, has coached the United States Field Hockey Association Futures Program in Hanover, N.H., since 1998 and was an assistant coach at the Extra Mile Field Hockey Camp (Hanover, N.H.) from 1998-2000. She also served as an assistant coach for the All-Star Field Hockey Camp in Springfield, Mass.

"Brittany adds the perspective of a goalkeeper to our staff that will help with our overall team defense," Jennings said. "She brings an enthusiam and energy that is a perfect fit in trying to get our team to the next level."

The AU field hockey team finished its 2000 season with an overal record of 10-7 while featuring two All-Conference selections and two Regional All-Americans. The Eagles return 10 letterwinners and six starters to its 2001 roster and open its regular season on Sept. 2 against Davidson.

American University, founded in 1893, fields a 19-sport NCAA Division I athletics program, featuring 10 women’s sports and nine for men. American will become a full member of the Patriot League with the start of the coming 2001-02 academic calendar.