In her first year at West Chester University, women’s field hockey coach and APSCUF member Amy Cohen has already done what most coaches can only dream of doing – won an NCAA title.
On Nov. 13, Cohen’s Golden Rams team defeated UMass-Lowell, the defending national champs, in the 2011 NCAA Division II field hockey national championship game by a score of 2-1. Cohen previously coached at Susquehanna for five seasons. She succeeded coach Kathy Krannebitter, whose 226 coaching victories are a school record.
The team’s NCAA title is only the fourth in the university’s history (men’s soccer – 1961; women’s lacrosse – 2002, 2008).
Here are five questions with West Chester women’s field hockey coach Amy Cohen:
Where are you from? Where did you attend college and graduate school?
I am originally from South Jersey, a 1998 graduate of Mainland Regional High School. I am a 2002 graduate of Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., and a 2005 graduate of The University of Delaware, where I earned my M.Ed.
How did you decide to become a coach?
When I was in middle school I was asked that question, and I always thought perhaps I would like either to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a dentist or follow my passion and be a field hockey coach. As the years passed I realized following my own dreams of becoming a head coach one day could become a reality.
How did you end up at West Chester University?
The previous five years I spent as a head coach at a smaller Division III institution, Susquehanna University. I loved the experience, but often found myself thinking about the time I spent at UD as a graduate assistant. When the position opened at West Chester, I saw many similarities between the two universities and thought I would love the opportunity to interview for the position if I was so fortunate. I came down for an interview, and the rest is history!
What’s your favorite thing about coaching at West Chester?
My favorite thing about coaching at West Chester is definitely our players. They have welcomed me with open arms, as has the entire WCU community. The players make coming to work every day fun and exciting, as they are always eager to learn. My other favorite thing about coaching at West Chester is definitely our colors – I am certainly a fan of the “purp” as my team calls it!
Why did you decide to join APSCUF?
There is definitely a sense of community in terms of athletic coaches, and I think being a part of APSCUF shows that.
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a monthly blog series highlighting the accomplishments of APSCUF faculty members and coaches. If you know of an APSCUF member with a great story to share, please email with your suggestion!