25 years ago I got lucky. A teacher suggested I try a new sport, saying “Get me an athlete and I can teach them to play field hockey.” But what I didn’t realize then was how that moment would affect my life. Coach Sue Butz-Stavin was that teacher, and the coach of that team. Today she remains one of the most respected and admired people in my life.

Now life has come full circle, with my daughter on that same team. Coach’s program is still teaching girls about field hockey. But what you don’t realize until you are an adult is that she is also teaching them about life. Strong Values. Hard work. Dedication to your team and family. Lessons learned as she takes the team to a funeral. Why? A team member has lost her grandfather and they are there for her support. Coach is shaping girls into strong, confident young women.

Certainly her program has been successful. The team will soon achieve its 700th win under her guidance. In her 34 season coaching at Emmaus (PA) High, the team has won 23 District and 9 State Championships. Like many highly successful coaches, Coach works with the girls year round. Over 100 of her players have gone on to play college field hockey on scholarships and some to play on the U.S. National and Olympic teams. But more importantly, Coach has prepared hundreds of young women for life. And I am blessed to be one of them.