UMass Lowell's field hockey program has added Ben Howarth to its coaching roster, appointing him as the new assistant coach tasked with elevating the team's tactical framework and player growth.
A Global Coaching Journey
Howarth's career spans continents, beginning with formative years at Brown University where he helped the Bears secure their first Ivy League Tournament appearance and achieve a program‑high RPI ranking. In that role he crafted individualized development plans, oversaw statistical analysis, and coordinated closely with sports performance and facilities staff.
Transitioning to Europe, he served as an assistant, video analyst, and goalkeeper coach for Nürnberg HTC in Germany's top Bundesliga divisions. There he transformed the squad's offensive output, raising average goals per game from 0.3 to 1.2 and doubling penalty‑corner creation.
His expertise then returned to the international stage, where he contributed to the United States Men's National Team staff. The team captured a bronze medal at the Pan American Games and placed fourth at the 2019 Hockey Series Finals in India, outcomes directly linked to Howarth's preparatory work.
Further afield, Howarth guided the Belgium U18 Boys National Team through video analysis and targeted player preparation, and he headed the United States U21 Men's Team on a 2015 Canada tour, testing emerging talent against senior competition.
Earlier in his career he led KHC Brugge's women's first team to a Belgian National 1 Championship, while also holding head coaching posts at HC Rotterdam and contributing to Northeastern University's rise as an assistant coach, where the program captured a regular‑season conference championship and reached the tournament final.
Certifications and Ongoing Development
Howarth holds coaching credentials from England Hockey and USA Field Hockey, including Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, and he completed the International Hockey Federation's prestigious Level 3 coaching course, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning.
With a résumé that blends collegiate success, professional league impact, and national team achievement, Ben Howarth arrives at UMass Lowell poised to infuse the River Hawks with a sophisticated, globally informed approach to the sport.