USA Field Hockey announced that Technical Director of High Performance Terry Walsh has agreed to a contract extension through the 2016 Olympic Games.
'We are extremely pleased we were able to reach an agreement to extend Terry's services with USA Field Hockey,' said USA Field Hockey Executive Director Steve Locke. 'Terry is one of the world's preeminent field hockey minds. We are delighted that he will continue his outstanding work with our athletes and coaches as we continue our commitment to international excellence.'
'I'm very happy to return,' said Walsh. 'The longevity of the program is very important, to continually move forward. Continuity is critical as we move through to the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2016. The legacy of this program will be how it develops over four, eight or twenty years, and that will determine our success.'
As Technical Director of High Performance, Walsh oversees all aspects of USA Field Hockey's men's and women's national team programs and coaching development programs. Under his direction, USA Field Hockey has returned to the international spotlight, culminating in the Women's National Team appearance in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He is a certified Master Coach by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
'The USA now has some impact on the world hockey scene,' said Walsh. 'That's been a major improvement in just the last four or five years. We've been able to secure international events and been able to provide performances in the Men's and Women's programs that made the world stand up and take notice.'
Walsh's extensive resume includes serving as the head coach of the Netherlands men's national team, guiding them to a silver medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. He also served as head coach for the Australian men's team from 1997 to 2000, leading the Kookaburras to the bronze medal at the 200 Olympic Games in Sydney. As a player, Walsh was a three-time Olympian for Australia and earned a silver medal in the 1975 Olympic Games in Montreal and a fourth place finish at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. He also served as a consultant to the USA Women's Olympic Team at the 1996 Olympic Games.
Walsh originally signed with USA Field Hockey in January 2005.
Source: USA Field Hockey
