Eastern Connecticut State University Field Hockey
Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) is a NCAA Division III institution located in Willimantic, Connecticut. Founded in 1889 as a normal school, the university has continuously evolved over the years to become a comprehensive institution offering over 40 undergraduate majors, 8 graduate programs, and a Doctor of Education program. ECSU's athletics department sponsors 17 sports teams, including the women's field hockey team, which has been a source of pride for the university and the surrounding community for decades.
History of Eastern Connecticut State University Field Hockey
The Eastern Connecticut State University field hockey team has a long and successful history. The team was founded in 1973, and its first head coach was Judy Bernat, who led the team to a 4-4-1 record in its inaugural season. Since then, the team has had only seven head coaches, and has earned 25 Little East Conference (LEC) titles, 21 NCAA tournament appearances, and two national championships.
The team's first national championship came in 1987, when they defeated Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) in the Division III championship game. The second championship came in 2002, when they defeated Messiah College in the championship game. In addition to these two national championships, the team has also had several players earn All-American honors over the years.
Current State of the Eastern Connecticut State University Field Hockey Team
The current head coach of the Eastern Connecticut State University field hockey team is Chris D'Ambrosio, who is in his 12th season with the program. Under his leadership, the team has continued to be one of the top programs in the Little East Conference and in the country. In 2019, the team finished with a 15-5 record, won the LEC championship, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
One of the strengths of the Eastern Connecticut State University field hockey team is its ability to recruit and develop talented players. Many of the players come from Connecticut and other parts of New England, but the team also has players from as far away as California and Texas. The coaching staff places a strong emphasis on skill development, teamwork, and academic success, and many of the players go on to pursue careers in a variety of fields after graduation.
Facilities and Resources for the Eastern Connecticut State University Field Hockey Team
The Eastern Connecticut State University field hockey team has access to top-notch facilities and resources that help them compete at the highest level. The team plays its home games at the Mansfield Outdoor Complex, which includes a state-of-the-art turf field, bleacher seating for spectators, and a scoreboard. The team also has access to a weight room, athletic training room, and other resources that help them stay healthy and in top physical condition.
Off the field, the team has access to academic resources that help them succeed in the classroom. The team has a dedicated academic advisor who helps the players with course selection, time management, and study skills. In addition, the university offers a variety of support services, including tutoring, career counseling, and mental health services, to help the players achieve their goals both on and off the field.
Conclusion
The Eastern Connecticut State University field hockey team is a source of pride for the university and the surrounding community, and for good reason. The team has a long and successful history, and continues to compete at a high level under the leadership of Coach D'Ambrosio. With top-notch facilities and resources, talented players, and a commitment to academic and personal success, the team is poised to continue building champions on and off the field for years to come.
