CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A Lincolnville native was named the new field hockey coach at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a NCAA Division III program, in March. 

Sarah Shute was announced as the institution’s new field hockey head coach, as well as a physical education and wellness instructor. 

“I am absolutely honored and thrilled to accept the opportunity to join the DAPER [Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation] community at MIT as the head field hockey coach,” said Shute in a news release. “MIT is a world-renowned institution and this athletic department truly prides itself on the holistic development of its student-athletes.” 

Shute succeeds Cheryl Silva, who retired from MIT after 29 seasons.

“Cheryl Silva established a nationally competitive program while simultaneously creating a remarkable culture and I'm honored to continue to build on her legacy,” Shute said in the release. 

Shute earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University in 2008 after a successful four year playing career for the Terriers in which she tallied 45 goals, third on the Terriers’ all-time list. She also recorded 107 points, fourth all-time for BU. 

She also earned her master’s degree, in 2017, from Boston University as she served as an assistant coach and later as the associate head coach. 

“Boston University will always be a special place to me as my time there on staff and as a student-athlete elevated my passion for both this sport and for coaching,” Shute said in the news release. “The support and guidance I received during my time at BU was incredible and I am grateful for everything [Director of Athletics] Drew Marrochello, [head field hockey coach] Sally Starr and [field hockey assistant coach] Tracey Paul have done to prepare me for this next step in my career.” 

MIT compiled a 15-5 record during the 2019 season and capped the season with a 5-1 loss in the Division III quarterfinals against eventual national runner-up Franklin and Marshall. 

“I am excited to welcome Sarah to MIT as our field hockey head coach,” said Dr. G. Anthony Grant, MIT Director of Athletics/DAPER Department Head, in a news release. “I am greatly impressed by her coaching and playing experience at Boston University, as well as her work with the USA Futures Program and other camps. Her energy, positive nature and commitment to the full student-athlete experience will help us continue to build on the already strong foundation that was built by Coach Silva.”