CASTLETON, Vt. – Director of Athletics Tim Barrett and the Vermont State University Castleton athletic department have announced the hiring of Bella Kondi as the new head coach of the field hockey program.
Kondi comes to Castleton after serving as head coach at Sweet Briar College during the 2025 season, where the team finished with a 3-2 victory over Meredith College on November 1.
"We're excited to welcome Bella Kondi to VTSU Castleton as a member of our coaching staff," said Barrett. "Bella's experience as both a student-athlete and coach, combined with her strong work ethic and passion for the game, made her an outstanding fit for our field hockey program. She brings a competitive mindset, a clear commitment to player development, and a genuine dedication to supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. We're confident Bella will make an immediate impact as we continue to move the program forward."
Prior to Sweet Briar, Kondi served as Co-Head Coach at Framingham State University, where she coached the 2024 MASCAC Defensive Player of the Year and multiple All-Conference players. She has also coached with Seacoast United, working with players across various age groups and stages of development.
A native of Canaan, N.H., Kondi is familiar with New England field hockey. She competed collegiately at Framingham State, serving as a three-year team captain. Over 72 career appearances, she totaled 19 goals and 34 assists, along with three defensive saves, and earned Little East Conference Third Team honors in 2021. She earned a bachelor's degree in fashion design and a master's degree in management from Framingham State.
"I am honored to join VTSU Castleton as head coach of the field hockey program. What immediately stood out was the strong sense of community and genuine care that defines the institution. I look forward to returning to New England, competing in the Little East Conference, and building a program focused on growth, connection, and competitive excellence, where student-athletes can thrive on and off the field. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to get started," said Kondi.
