Field Hockey Coach Helen Knull Steps Down After 15 Seasons
1/13/2026 11:34:00 AM | Field Hockey
East Lansing, Mich. -- Michigan State field hockey head coach Helen Knull has resigned to pursue professional opportunities outside of the sports industry. Michigan State will immediately begin a search for a new head coach.
"For 15 seasons, Helen Knull worked to develop the women in her program both on and off the field," said J Batt, Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Beyond the field of competition, her student-athletes were among the department's highest academic achievers and were regularly involved in leadership opportunities and impactful community outreach initiatives. We are grateful for her contributions to Spartan Athletics and wish her the best in her future endeavors."
Knull spent 15 seasons guiding the field hockey program, making her the program's longest-tenured coach. Her career included more than 100 victories, the 2013 Big Ten Tournament championship and 2013 NFHCA West Region Coach of the Year honors. Under her guidance, Spartan student-athletes collected three NFHCA All-America honors, 15 All-Region picks, and 22 All-Big Ten selections, including seven first-team honorees. In the classroom, the Spartans boast 216 Academic All-Big Ten picks, 80 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, and 216 NFHCA Scholars.
Before being named head coach in advance of the 2011 campaign, Knull spent four seasons as a Spartan assistant coach under Rolf van de Kerkhof from 2006-10.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to coach at Michigan State, including serving as head coach for 15 seasons," said Knull. "I have been fortunate to work under the leadership of five athletic directors as well as incredible sport administrators who supported me both professionally and personally. I've had the privilege of being part of a special group of head coaches who supported one another on and off the field. Those friendships and relationships will extend far beyond my time at Michigan State.
"To my staff over the years, it has been a pleasure working alongside you to impact student-athletes' lives and develop the next generation of strong, confident women who will leave Michigan State ready to take on the world.
"To the Spartans I've had the honor of coaching — thank you. Thank you for choosing Michigan State and for impacting my life. From lifting Big Ten trophies to late-night road trips and everything in between, the memories are endless, and I am grateful for the role I've been able to play in each of your lives.
"The future of MSU Athletics is bright, and I'm excited to remain a fan and supporter of all our programs. Spartan Pride Never Dies."
"For 15 seasons, Helen Knull worked to develop the women in her program both on and off the field," said J Batt, Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Beyond the field of competition, her student-athletes were among the department's highest academic achievers and were regularly involved in leadership opportunities and impactful community outreach initiatives. We are grateful for her contributions to Spartan Athletics and wish her the best in her future endeavors."
Knull spent 15 seasons guiding the field hockey program, making her the program's longest-tenured coach. Her career included more than 100 victories, the 2013 Big Ten Tournament championship and 2013 NFHCA West Region Coach of the Year honors. Under her guidance, Spartan student-athletes collected three NFHCA All-America honors, 15 All-Region picks, and 22 All-Big Ten selections, including seven first-team honorees. In the classroom, the Spartans boast 216 Academic All-Big Ten picks, 80 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, and 216 NFHCA Scholars.
Before being named head coach in advance of the 2011 campaign, Knull spent four seasons as a Spartan assistant coach under Rolf van de Kerkhof from 2006-10."It has been an honor and a privilege to coach at Michigan State, including serving as head coach for 15 seasons," said Knull. "I have been fortunate to work under the leadership of five athletic directors as well as incredible sport administrators who supported me both professionally and personally. I've had the privilege of being part of a special group of head coaches who supported one another on and off the field. Those friendships and relationships will extend far beyond my time at Michigan State.
"To my staff over the years, it has been a pleasure working alongside you to impact student-athletes' lives and develop the next generation of strong, confident women who will leave Michigan State ready to take on the world.
"To the Spartans I've had the honor of coaching — thank you. Thank you for choosing Michigan State and for impacting my life. From lifting Big Ten trophies to late-night road trips and everything in between, the memories are endless, and I am grateful for the role I've been able to play in each of your lives.
"The future of MSU Athletics is bright, and I'm excited to remain a fan and supporter of all our programs. Spartan Pride Never Dies."
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