Williams hires Gillis as fourth coach in four seasons

Meghan Gillis has been named coach of the Williams women’s program and will be the fourth leader in the last four seasons.

Gillis, who spent the last two seasons at Pomfret (Conn.) School as an assistant director of admissions, head girls hockey coach, and assistant softball coach, succeeds interim coach Joey Lye.

Lye was 4-17-1 in 2010-11. Marissa O’Neil was 12-11-2 in 2009-10 before taking over at Bowdoin, her alma mater. And Shannon Bryant wrapped up a three-year run with a 8-16-1 record in 2008-09.

Gillis was the NESCAC rookie of the year at Bowdoin in 2004, when she scored 24 goals with 19 assists.

“Meghan brings with her a strong hockey background, both as a player and as a coach,” Williams athletic director Lisa Melendy said in a statement. “Throughout the interview process the committee was impressed by Meghan’s evident love of hockey and coaching as well as her vision for the program.”

Gillis led Pomfret to a 21-16-9 record in two seasons.

“I am excited to be back in the NESCAC and to join the renowned Williams College athletic department,” Gillis said in a statement. “I am eager to work with a talented and driven group of student-athletes both on and off the ice.”