From 1971 to 1999, Dr. Marina van der Merwe coached the York women's field and indoor hockey teams. During that time, she guided the field hockey team to six CIAU silver medals, two CIAU bronze medals and seven OUA titles. She also led the indoor hockey team to seven OUA championships. A recipient of numerous CIAU and OUA coach of the year awards, Dr. van der Merwe coached 41 all-Canadians, over 55 conference all-stars and more than 10 national team athletes while at York. As Canada's national field hockey coach from 1976 to 1996, she produced one of Canada's most impressive success stories in team sports by turning the squad into an international powerhouse. Dr. van der Merwe stepped down from her coaching duties in 1999 and retired from teaching in York's School of Kinesiology & Health Science in 2002.
