With the Kent State field hockey team standing strong at 10-4 with a perfect 5-1 conference record, Coach Kathleen Schanne was given a contract extension that will keep her coaching the Flashes through the 2012 season.

Schanne, who was named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year in 2007, has been with the Flashes for three seasons and was excited that her future would be in the blue and gold.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to coach these young women and have this position,” Schanne said. I’m just happy about that.”

Schanne, who is only the sixth coach in the program’s history, has led the Flashes to the top of MAC this season and has played strong against some of the top teams in the nation and the conference.

Schanne said it was her players who helped get her the extension.

“(The players) hard work and dedication everyday is absolutely outstanding,” Schanne said. “We’re coming down to the end now and they’re doing such a nice job- they’re wonderful.”

Schanne, who is aided by assistant coach Richard Sutton and Graduate Assistant Katy Tran, said the extension is not only good for her current players, but also for future Flashes.

“It’s great for our staff to know that athletes that we recruited will be with us through their college careers,” Schanne said. “Also, for the women we are recruiting now, they know the commitment is there.”