Dec. 21, 2008

Jana Woolley, a longtime assistant coach and former All-America player for North Carolina, has been named head coach at Columbia University. Woolley has spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach for the Lions.

Woolley, former Jana Withrow, was UNC's starting goalkeeper from 1994-97, helping the Tar Heels to three NCAA championships. At Carolina, she was a two-time All-America and three-time Atlantic Coast Conference selection and still holds the program record for career shutouts with 46.

After graduating, Woolley spent eight years as a member of the UNC coaching staff.

"I'm incredibly proud of Jana," said UNC coach Karen Shelton. "She has been a hardworking. loyal, knowledgeable assistant. She brings great enthusiasm to her work and she's a people person.

"Jana is ready to succeed as a Division I head coach. She understands the balance that student-athletes need to have in their lives and the way for them to be successful."

Woolley replaces Katie Beach, who resigned earlier this month after five years as the program's head coach.

"I can't imagine a better place to start my career as a head coach," Woolley said. "Katie (Beach) has laid a great foundation for this program and I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with her. Her passion, commitment and leadership was an example to all associated with Columbia Athletics and I am thrilled to be able to guide the field hockey program to new heights."

Columbia finished the 2008 season 11-6, tying for the second most wins in school history.