University Of Southern Maine Field Hockey
The University of Southern Maine (USM) is a public university located in Portland, Maine. It was founded in 1878 and is a part of the University of Maine System. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. The university also has a successful field hockey team that competes in the Little East Conference.
History of University Of Southern Maine Field Hockey
The USM field hockey team was founded in the early 1970s and has been competing at the college level ever since. The team started as a club sport and was later promoted to varsity status in 1975. The team has a long and successful history, with numerous conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
The team has had some notable coaches over the years, including Cindy Hodgdon, who led the team for over twenty years and was inducted into the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2014.
Current Team and Coaches
The USM field hockey team is currently coached by Bonny Brown-Denico, who has been with the team since 2012. Brown-Denico is a former field hockey player herself and has coached at various levels, including high school and club teams. She has led the team to multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
The team is made up of talented student-athletes who come from all over the country to play for USM. The team is known for its hard work and determination, as well as its close-knit community. The team supports each other both on and off the field, and many players form lifelong friendships while playing for the team.
Facilities
The USM field hockey team plays its home games at Hannaford Field, which is located on the USM Gorham campus. The field is a state-of-the-art turf field that was opened in 2011. The field has lights and seating for spectators, making it a great venue for both day and night games.
In addition to the playing field, the team also has access to a weight room and training facilities on campus. The university's athletic department provides the team with top-notch equipment and resources to help them perform at their best.
Successes and Achievements
The USM field hockey team has had many successes and achievements over the years. The team has won multiple conference championships and has made numerous appearances in the NCAA Division III tournament. The team has also had many individual players who have received recognition for their outstanding performances on the field.
Some of the team's most successful seasons came under the leadership of Cindy Hodgdon, who led the team to multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances in the 1990s and early 2000s. The team continues to build on that success under the leadership of Bonny Brown-Denico.
Conclusion
The University of Southern Maine field hockey team is a talented and successful program that has a long history of excellence. The team is proud to represent the university and is committed to upholding the values of hard work, determination, and community that make it so special. Whether you are a student at USM or a fan of the sport, the USM field hockey team is definitely worth watching.
