Hempstead, NY - The Colonial Athletic Association has announced on Thursday that Hofstra Assistant Field Hockey Coach Courtney Deena has been selected to represent Hofstra University on the newly established CAA Family – United for Change Executive Committee.

Formed in September 2020, the committee will be comprised of 14 individuals from all 10 CAA institutions and will be tasked with developing a strategic direction for the conference and will provide an opportunity for institutions to share resources related to anti-racism and social justice efforts. Goals for the committee will include engaging with student-athletes, coaches, staff, and alumni in conference-wide initiative that will help enact meaningful change.

"Coach Deena's hard work as a leader for change in the community has been well documented in the Hofstra community and we are thrilled to see her earn a spot on this important committee within the CAA," Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. said. "We're very proud of Coach Deena for this tremendous honor."

Deena, who enters her second year as assistant field hockey coach of the Pride, is also a member of the Hofstra University Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Committee and was the catalyst in the creation of 'No Locker For Racism', a campaign asking student-athletes, coaches, and administrators to take a pledge to eradicate racism in college sports. Deena arrived at Hofstra in June 2019 after earning her master's degree in sports coaching from Ohio State University. She played field hockey for four years at the University of Maryland, playing in 50 games for the Terrapins played a role in two ACC Championship squads.

The committee will meet for the first time in November, where they will elect a chairperson, draft a mission statement and decide the path to move forward.