Upper Arlington High School has announced Derek "Degsy" Aspinall as their new Head Coach for the 2011/12 Season.

From Durham, England, Coach Aspinall possesses in excess of twenty years coaching experience and holds certifications and accreditation's in both the US and UK. Playing for his hometown club, Durham City, Aspinall was a regular in the Men's 1st XI and captained the Co-ed team to the National Finals in 2002. He served as the club’s Head Coach and oversaw the men’s, women’s and junior training programs.

Since arriving in the United States, Aspinall has been actively engaged in the development of field hockey on many levels - from the implementation of grass-roots programs (founding the Cincinnati Centurions and Miami Surf Field Hockey Club’s), through to his continued involvement with USA Field Hockey (USAFH). Renowned for his knowledge and passion for the game, Aspinall has helped guide athletes to the highest levels (National Team(s), National League, and top-flight collegiate field hockey). He was instrumental in the turnaround of Cincinnati’s Saint Ursula Academy where he posted an overall Varsity record of 45-14-10, including a season record 15-2-1 in his final year. Previously serving as Region 8 Head Coach for USAFH’s Futures program, Aspinall is involved at a national level for both player selection and coaching, and was recently chosen to coach USA Elite.

Aspinall has brought in two additional members to complete his UA coaching staff.

Hannah Coughlin, Dublin native, will serve as head coach for the Junior Varsity team. The three-year Ohio Wesley University (OWU) captain brings leadership qualities and an ‘on field’ coaching style that is sure to benefit the Golden Bears program. An All-American selection and winner of several conference awards, Coughlin is scheduled to graduate from OWU in May 2011 with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Coughlin has coached Middle School, JV and Varsity Winter League’s at Field Sports.

Amy Wham, Varsity Assistant Coach, began her field hockey career as a 4 year varsity starter for Lawrence High School (New Jersey). She graduated in 2006 receiving first team all area for Central Jersey as well as honorable mention. She attended Miami University where she played club and graduated in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Now as a teacher, she has had the flexibility and the privilege of devoting her time this past year to the field hockey and lacrosse programs at Upper Arlington. Her heart and dedication to the sport as a player has carried over to coaching as she encourages and motivates girls to reach specific individual goals. Along with mastering basic skills, communication off the field has been her vision as she seeks to develop team players and leaders on the field.