News
Head Coaches Named to Lead New Athletic Programs at Roberts Wesleyan University
Coaches Barbero and Kocher
Stephanie Barbero and Marissa Kocher become first head coaches in university history to lead newly added programs in women’s triathlon and women’s field hockey.
Roberts Wesleyan University Executive Director of Athletics Bob Segave is pleased to announce the hiring of Stephanie Barbero as head coach for the women's triathlon team and Marissa Kocher as head coach for women's field hockey. Barbero and Kocher will become the first head coaches in university history to lead the newly added NCAA Division II offerings in women’s triathlon and women’s field hockey, beginning in fall 2023.
Barbero brings more than 35 years of experience in education to her role as head coach, joining the Roberts athletics team from Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women where she taught physical education and health and coached varsity track and field, triathlon, running, crew and yoga for 19 years. Rochester has had a growing presence in the triathlon space for many years with Barbero competing individually, earning accolades as a two-time Ironman finisher, USAT National AG competitor and a duathlon and triathlon Worlds qualifier. Off the track, Barbero also volunteers her time locally as Safety Officer for Rochester Area Triathletes (RATs).
"Having Stephanie join us as head coach is going to be very beneficial to the establishment and growth of women's triathlon here at Roberts," Segave said. "Her commitment to coaching and leading young women was apparent throughout the interview process. I know she will make a positive impact on the student-athletes here at Roberts."
Kocher has been a part of the Roberts Wesleyan community for the past two and a half years as admissions coordinator for the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program. In addition to her position at Roberts, Kocher also served as an assistant coach for the SUNY Geneseo women's field hockey team for the past five seasons, where in 2019 she helped lead the Geneseo Knights to a 19-3 overall record, a SUNYAC title and advancement to the NCAA Division III tournament that season. Outside of collegiate field hockey, Kocher has built an extensive network among other coaches and local athletes in her role as head coach for the travel team, RNY Field Hockey, as well as coaching in USA Field Hockey's Nexus program.
"We are excited to have Marissa join our coaching staff," Segave added. "I am confident that her experience and passion for the sport is exactly what we need to kickstart this brand-new program. She knows what Roberts Wesleyan is all about and the culture we look to create here to positively impact our student-athletes.”
Barbero and Kocher have already begun their new roles at Roberts and will oversee the recruitment and development of both athletics programs before beginning competition in the fall. Roberts Wesleyan now offers 20 varsity-level athletics programs at the NCAA Division II level, which include four newly added programs in women's field hockey, women's triathlon, Esports and men's volleyball. All new programs are set to begin in the 2023-24 athletic year.
For more information on Redhawks Athletics, please visit robertsredhawks.com.