Field Hockey Canada is pleased to announce Gene Muller as the new General Manager (GM). In this new role, Muller will lead the implementation of FHC’s High Performance Strategy and manage the National Team Programs.
“The new Olympic cycle is an exciting time for me to be joining Field Hockey Canada,” says Muller. “I welcome the opportunity to contribute in this role, and I am confident that we will build a solid high performance team and environment. Canada has the potential to become a force in world field hockey, and I look forward to working with all our stakeholders, coaches, and teams to make this happen”.
Muller will be working closely with FHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Karen O’Neill and will stay well connected with the High Performance Board Committee.
“Gene will be a valuable addition to our High Performance team,” says O’Neill. “His background and understanding of field hockey in Canada and internationally provides the depth of perspective and leadership we need as we build our High Performance program for 2016 and beyond.”
To say Muller knows field hockey would be an understatement. The new General Manager, originally from South Africa, brings a wealth of global hockey experience. Muller was the Women’s National Head Coach in South Africa from 1998 to 2000, leading the team at the 2000 Olympic Games. In 2001, Muller moved to Winnipeg and took up the role of Head Coach for the University of Manitoba and for Manitoba’s Senior Provincial team. He wasn’t able to stay away from the international stage long – Muller became the Canadian Men’s National Head Coach soon thereafter, coaching Canada for five years including two Commonwealth Games (2002, 2006) and the 2003 Pan American Games.
Since 2006, Muller has been in Ireland as the Head Coach of the Women’s National Team and the Director of Player Performance where he led the Irish Women to their first ever Olympic Qualifier final. After retiring as Head Coach in May, Gene returned to Winnipeg where he has been teaching at the University of Manitoba and working with Field Hockey Canada to continue developing the Long Term Field Hockey Development program. Muller is also an International Hockey Federation Coach and Course Conductor for the Pan American Hockey Federation.
Finally, this announcement just wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the irony of Gene Muller’s initials. You could say he was destined for this role.
