South Hadley, Mass. - June 9, 2022 - Interim Director of Athletics Erica Lemm is excited to announce the addition of Jennifer "Jay" Hartshorn as the next head coach of the cross country and track and field programs at Mount Holyoke College. Hartshorn will also be a Lecturer in Physical Education at the College.
Hartshorn comes to Mount Holyoke from Bates College, where she has served as the head coach of the women's cross country and track and field programs for the last 17 years.
"I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Mount Holyoke community," said Hartshorn. "I want to thank the search committee and Interim Director of Athletics Erica Lemm for being so welcoming and professional in this process. There are many wonderful things that stand out to me about Mount Holyoke College, but one in particular is the energy and enthusiasm of the student-athletes. I can't wait to get on campus and start."
Hartshorn, a three-time NESCAC Coach of the Year, has led Bates track and field student-athletes to 49 indoor track and field All-America performances in 11 different events. In outdoor track and field, she has coached 11 student-athletes to 20 All-America performances in 11 different events, including a national championship.
Hartshorn has also led her cross country programs to the NCAA Division III National Championship meet five times, including four of the last five years. In 2019, the Bobcats finished 14th at nationals, which was the best finish in team history.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Jay to Lyons Nation and the Mount Holyoke College community," commented Lemm. "She brings proven success in building competitive cross country and track and field programs and it is evident that she will provide an outstanding student-athlete experience. I look forward to the impact that Jay will have on our student-athletes and within our Department and I couldn't be more pleased for the future of our cross country and track and field programs."
Prior to Bates, Hartshorn was the assistant coach for track and field at Syracuse University from 2001 to 2005. She coached the Orange cross country teams as the head coach and led Syracuse's distance runners in indoor and outdoor track and field.
From 1999 to 2001, Hartshorn was the assistant coach of cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field at Smith College, where she earned her master's degree in exercise and sports studies.
A former standout student-athlete at Colby College, Hartshorn was an Academic All-American and national qualifier in cross country, a three-time All-American in indoor and outdoor track and field, and captain of Colby's indoor and outdoor track and field teams.
