Wendy McFarlane, a former standout sprinter at the University of Tulsa and assistant coach at both the University of Delaware and Frostburg State, was named the head coach of the Blue Hen women's indoor and outdoor track and field teams August 19, 2008.
McFarlane, 32 (Feb. 3, 1977), who served two different stints as an assistant on the UD staff working with the sprinters and hurdlers, became just the third head coach in Delaware's 30-year women's track and field history. She also is the first female African-American to serve as head coach of a Blue Hen athletics team.
During her first season at the helm, UD student-athletes recorded 11 school records, including seven during the outdoor season, and pole vaulter Kelli McDonald advanced to the NCAA Outdoor East Regionals where she placed seventh, just missing a berth in the NCAA Championships.
“We are excited that Wendy will continue to be involved with our women's track and field program,” said Delaware Director of Athletics Edgar N. Johnson in announcing the hiring. “We were impressed with Wendy and her coaching abilities and we know she will do an exceptional job in leading our women’s track and field teams to future success.”
She works closely with Jim Fischer, Delaware men's and women's cross country head coach, men's track and field head coach, and the Director of UD Running Programs. She previously served stints as an assistant coach at Delaware during the 2002-03 and 2007-08 seasons and also served in that capacity at Frostburg (Md.) State University,
A native of St. Mary, Jamaica, McFarlane attended G.C. Foster College in Jamaica for two years and received a diploma in teaching physical education. She competed for the track and field team and was a two-time team Most Valuable Player and also competed in volleyball and field hockey.
She moved on to the University of Tulsa where she was a two-year letterwinner in track and field, set school records in several relay events, and was a provisional qualifier to the NCAA Championships in the 400 meters and 4 x 400 meter relay. She was a Dean's List student and earned Western Athletic Conference All-Academic honors. She earned her degree in exercise sports science from Tulsa in 2001 and her master's degree in science in human performance from Frostburg (Md.) State University in 2005.
A USA Track and Field Level I and II certified coach, she began her coaching career at Delaware as a volunteer in 2002-03 and moved on to Frostburg State where she served as an assistant for both the men's and women's programs for two seasons.
She worked with the Delaware sprinters during the 2007-08 season and enjoyed outstanding success as an assistant to both Fischer and McGrath-Powell. She played a big part in helping UD athletes set school records in the indoor 55 meter hurdles, 60 meter hurdles, 400 meters, 500 meters, and 4 x 400 meter relay. During the outdoor season, UD athletes set school records in the 100 and 400 meter hurdles, the 400 meter dash, and the 4 x 100, 4 x 200, and 4 x 400 meter relays.
McFarlane has a daughter, Jayda. She previously worked full-time as an exercise physiologist with Delaware Back Pain and Sports Rehabilitation in Newark, Del. and also served as head track coach for McGlobal Elite Development Track Club.
"I am greatly honored to join the Blue Hen staff,” said McFarlane, who will also coach the sprinters and hurdles on the UD men’s track and field teams. “This position means a lot to me as I have been preparing for this opportunity for a very long time. I can promise that I will work hard to make a positive impact on the University of Delaware and improve its athletic legacy. I am confident that I can lead a successful program and eager and fully prepared to overcome any obstacle or hardship in creating a winning team. It is my intent to ensure that our student-athletes be the best that they can be not just on the field but in the classroom as well. I am anxious to contribute to a memorable experience for our athletes, continue to encourage the unity of team in order to create a positive environment for our athletic community, and encourage sportsmanship and bring a winning attitude to the program".
Head Coach Wendy McFarlane