Camden Catholic Field Hockey Coach Steps Down

Camden Catholic field hockey coach Maureen Casserly Nelson is stepping down from her post after four years, citing a career move that will leave her unable to continue as head coach for the Irish.

“For the last four years, I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to lead the field hockey program at Camden Catholic,” Nelson said in a statement released by the school. “I have dedicated a large part of my life to this sport, especially for the Fighting Irish, and forever will.”

Nelson, a 2003 alum of Camden Catholic, came back to her alma mater in 2009 to coach the Irish after a successful collegiate career, first at Ohio University, then at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where she was named team MVP, All-Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team, Atlantic 10 All-Conference Second Team and Atlantic 10 All-Tournament Team her senior year.

Her Camden Catholic teams had similar success, going 55-21-1 during Nelson’s tenure, compiling three division championships (2010, 2011 and 2012) and two Group 2 sectional titles, the Central Jersey championship in 2011 and the South Jersey championship in 2012.

“It was a pleasure working alongside some of the most talented coaches in South Jersey, and I wish them great luck in the future,” Nelson said. “Of course, I will miss the players the most, but I look forward to actively taking a part in the development of this program in some capacity.”

Irish athletic director Marlene Grimes said the search for Nelson’s replacement will begin immediately, and credited Nelson with carrying on the tradition at Camden Catholic.

“When Mo took over in 2009, she was taking on a great responsibility of leading the next generation of championship hockey players at CCHS,” Grimes said. “She has done a superior job of continuing the legacy of this winning program, and has prepared numerous players for competition at the college level.”