Central Michigan University Athletics
Assistants Remain With Field Hockey Program
2/25/2015 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Continuity and consistency have long been hallmarks of Central Michigan field hockey.
An understandable result of having the linchpin of the program, Cristy Freese, in the head coach's position for the better part of three decades.
And while the program features a new name at the top -- Molly Pelowski took the reins from Freese less than three weeks ago - the program retains a familiar look and feel.
Assistant coaches Earl Marais and Emily Girasole will remain on the staff. Marais is in his 12th year at CMU, while Girasole, who played collegiately at CMU, is in her second year as an assistant.
"They both have helped me immensely during this transition by helping me get to know the student-athletes, keeping me up to speed on the current status of our program, and assisting me in transitioning into my new role as head coach," said Pelowski, a former graduate assistant under Freese who was introduced on Feb. 3 as the fifth field hockey coach in CMU history. "Maintaining and retaining our coaching staff is a huge advantage to continue to build on the previous success of the program and to continue our pursuit of championships in the future."
Marais, a native of South Africa, has 26 years of coaching experience plus 19 as a player. He helped the Alpha Men's Hockey Club to two national championships and eight conference titles.
"Earl's hockey knowledge and experience as a coach and as a teacher are crucial to our team's success," Pelowski said. "He knows how to develop student-athletes, he is a motivating and dynamic coach, he loves Central Michigan University, and he has invested his time and talent to make this program successful.
"He is an incredible asset to me both from a professional standpoint and a personal standpoint. He is a man of high character and we have the same philosophy on where we would like to see the program grow and the process for achieving success."
Girasole, who hails from Orchard Park, N.Y., joined the staff as an assistant coach in August, 2014. Her primary focus is skill development and working with the defense and the goalkeepers.
"Emmy is a true Chippewa," Pelowski said. "She was an outstanding student-athlete here at CMU. She is an excellent role model for our student-athletes.
"She has a huge desire to grow and learn as a coach. Her aspirations are to continue in coaching, and as a mentor to her, that is so motivating. She is personable, she is organized, is an excellent communicator, and as she continues in her graduate studies here at CMU, she has provided a wonderful and unique perspective to both the coaching staff and the student athletes.
"I am so thankful to have Earl and Emily on our staff. We have a great group of student-athletes who have been such a joy to work with, even if it has been only a week-and-a-half. The foundation for success has been laid by Cristy, Earl and Emmy, and I am so thankful that I can help to continue the Championship Culture of CMU Field Hockey."
