Worcester, MA --- Worcester State University Director of Athletics Michael Mudd has announced that Andrea Ouellette has been elevated to the position of interim head coach of the women's indoor and outdoor track and field teams.

Ouellette, who served as the jumps coach as an assistant coach for the women in each of the last four years and the same role for the men's squad in each of the last two seasons, replaces Jim Lemieux who left last week to pursue a full-time coaching opportunity at Utica College.

"We are excited to have a former student-athlete head up our women's track and field program," said Mudd.

"Andrea's pedigree speaks for itself and she will bring a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to the position, which should pay dividends for our student-athletes. She has earned the opportunity to be named the interim head coach."

"As a former Lancer myself this program means a lot to me personally, and I am excited to have this opportunity," said Ouellette. "I am excited to work with such a wonderful group of young ladies, to help them achieve their goals and realize their potential. I cannot wait to see what this season will bring."

Under the tutelage of Ouellette, six student-athletes qualified for the Division III New England Championships and current senior Amanda Caldarone (Danvers, MA) became the women's programs first-ever Division III New England Champion in the outdoor long jump in 2010.

During the same outdoor season, two student-athletes claimed MASCAC individual long and triple jump titles while she was a part of the coaching staff that captured a third league crown and the New England Alliance title.

In each of the last two campaigns, Ouellette has helped the women's squad has placed in the top 10 at both Division III New England indoor and outdoor championships.

As a standout student-athlete, Ouellette was a three-time MASCAC Champion in the triple jump while she qualified for the NCAA Division III Outdoor championships provisionally with a school record in the event.

Ouellette also received Division III New England accolades in the event on five times during her career and helped lead women's team to their first-ever conference indoor and outdoor title during the 2009-10 season.

For her three-year contributions to the track and field team, Ouellette was recognized with the departments "Robert Devlin" Senior Female Athlete Award.

Mudd also said that Associate Head Coach Matt Swett will take on additional duties to help strengthen the coaching staff.

"Swett has done a terrific job in his seven seasons and he will continue to have an influential role in mentoring our student-athletes," said Mudd.