Question: What is the first thing people ask you when you tell them you're a field hockey coach?

'Is that a full time job? What do you do the rest of the year?' Yes, it is my full-time job, because on-field coaching is only a relatively small part of what I do. On top of recruiting, alumni relations, fundraising, and serving on committees on campus and for our national organizations, the most 'full time' part of the job is developing relationships with the student-athletes on my team and helping them achieve their academic and athletic goals, while also supporting them in working toward their post-collegiate life and career.

— Chrissy Chappell, Head Coach, Connecticut College

'Is that your full-time job?' Ugh. Yes! They even pay me!

— Jessica Spencer, Head Coach, Bentley University

People ask me if it's my 'real' job. I gleefully answer, 'YES — and isn't that awesome?!'

— Annie Lahey, Head Coach, Assumption College

They ask, 'Is that all you do?' And I answer, 'yes and no...' then I go into a long rant about how I love my job and explain how it helps me live my mission statement, aligns with my values, and also allows me to wear sneakers and sweats daily. Then I ask them to tell me how much they enjoy their jobs.

— Julie Munson, Head Coach, Southern New Hampshire University

'Oh, is that a full-time job?' Yep! It's a 12-month position with benefits for me. Unfortunately, that's not the case for all coaches, across all divisions, but it should be! It's a 24/7 job that has you wearing numerous hats to develop well-rounded student-athletes.

— Kelsi Lykens, Head Coach, University of New Haven

'How do you like it?' or 'what is field hockey?' I answer, I love what I do because not only am I still involved with the sport I love, but I am also able to work with and influence the lives of strong women in our sport.

— Kristin Matula, Assistant Coach, American University

'Oh, wow! How do you and Josh (head women's lacrosse coach at Elon University) make it work?!' We take it one day at a time or one moment at a time, and do a lot of juggling! It's hard, but it's worth it!

— Courtney Hexter, Head Coach, Meredith College

'How did you get into field hockey?' I usually laugh and make some comment about not being a field hockey player. Then go into my story of joining Bridgewater's team, ending up playing goalkeeper (when ours were injured), and made it to the Sweet-16 as a goalkeeper after never playing before! My experience at Bridgewater led me to love this sport and to coaching.

— Marisa Sims, Assistant Coach, Frostburg State University

Thank you for your answers, coaches!

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