Q: What is your experience in field hockey?
A: I have been involved in field hockey for 35 years. I played in high school in New Jersey, college in eastern Pennsylvania and coached middle school for the YWCA (both outdoor and indoor) and for P-T High School. I have also coached the Western Pennsylvania Keystone State Games high school teams.
Q: After you retired teaching science, what made you continue coaching field hockey?
A: I love field hockey and really enjoyed being with the team. I love coming up with new drills and problem solving and helping the girls to become the best they can be on and off the field.
Q: What has been your favorite memory of coaching?
A: There are so many amazing memories. Many of them are when a player executes a dodge or skill in a game for the first time.
Some highlights:
— When we won our first home game on the turf on a penalty stroke taken by my daughter to beat Hempfield.
— When we won our first WPIAL title, beating North Allegheny 3 – 0 in 2011
— I have loved every season, whether we won titles or not
— When players come back and visit or coach with us
Q: What factors contributed to your decision to retire?
A: It has been a really difficult decision to retire. There are two main reasons: I have been struggling through a knee injury that hasn’t resolved and I would love to spend more time with my family and grandkids, who all live out of state.
Q: What are plans for the future team and coaches?
A: The coaching positions must go out for bid within the district. It is my sincere hope that my JV coach will bid and be hired as head coach. As well, I hope my current assistants and volunteers will also return. It would be very important for continuity in the transition. I will remain as a volunteer with the program and be a resource. I will remain as the middle school program liaison.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
A: My first order of business is to get my knee healthy or replaced and then travel and be with family.
Q: If all your former players were in a room with you, what would you say to them?
A: I would want to thank each of them for trying field hockey and for (hopefully) falling in love with the sport. I would thank them for allowing me to be part of their high school experience. And I would thank them for all the memories, the growth, the ups and downs and the joy they have given me. I would ask that each player continue to invite girls to field hockey.