It is not easy to let something go that has been part of your life for 14 years. Chrissy Cunningham will not have to leave the sport she loves. The 2016 graduate of Thomas college has been named varsity field hockey coach at Waterville high school.
“I have always wanted to coach, I think it stems from having field hockey apart of my life for so long and having such influential coaches throughout my career,”Cunningham said. “However, it was this past year as I finished my career on the field that I realize it may never be apart of my life again, and it’s scary to think that when its been there for so long. So I knew my next option to keep doing what I love and what I’m passionate about and that led me to the idea and dream to become a coach, and that’s what I did.”
Cunningham started all 17 games during her senior season for coach Andrea Thebarge and the Thomas Terriers.
“Chrissy was a great player for me. She came in with great skill but most impressive was her work ethic. If you came to a game, she wouldn’t be someone who stood out because she wasn’t flashy but she was the most consistent and hard-working player out there,”Thebarge said. “She (Cunningham) did her job and she did it well and you always knew she was going to give it her all. She was also a passionate player. She cares about her teammates and coaches and wore her emotions on her sleeve.”
Cunningham graduated in 2012 from Dexter high school, where she played for Margaret Veazie. The Tigers have one of the best field hockey programs in class C. Cunningham will take some from Thebarge and Veazie and bring it with her when practice begins in mid August.
“I am extremely excited to coach at the varsity level. Growing up field hockey has always been a positive aspect in my life, something I have always enjoyed. I am really excited and happy that I get to be apart of giving that positive experience to young female athletes,”Cunningham said. “It really is a dream come true to be able to teach others what I have learned through my 14 years of playing field hockey, as I started playing in second grade,I’m also very excited to continue my own personal growth through this experience. I have already learned so much about what it takes to be a successful coach from Andrea Thebarge and Margaret Veazie and can’t wait to learn more from this experience and hopefully be as successful one day.”
Cunningham added, “Through both coaches I have had (Thebarge and Veazie) were very different, I was able to learn a great deal through them. I think some main things that I have taken away from them that I can use now is the importance of commitment, leadership, team work. Through them I have learned that if you aren’t going to do something 110% don’t do it. And that’s my philosophy with both playing and coaching. As a past player myself and the expectations I was once held to I expect my athletes to be committed, attending summer workouts, play days, leagues nights, etc, because those are the things that’s going to put you ahead of your competition. As for me as a coach if I’m expecting it all from my girls, i need to give my all to them as well, just as my past coaches did for me both on and off the field. I have also learned through them that team work is key. That involves players, coaches, parents, everyone. If everyone does their part to the best of their abilities there may not be success in the terms of winning games but there will be progress and that to me alone proves success. Lastly, I have learned to remember and never forget how much I love the game. These ladies have played for as long as they can remember, and they now do it not for the money, or the title, but for the love of the game and I am proud to be following in their foot steps.”
As a student at Thomas, Cunningham has made Waterville her home the past four years. She is excited to continue being part of the community.
“I have made Waterville my home for the past four years,”Cunningham said. “I am excited to set more roots here and become involved in something as important as a varsity sport.”
Hearing the news about Cunningham getting into coaching was no surprise to Thebarge. She was a leader for the Terriers and her knowledge of the game should help in making the transition from player to coach.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Chrissy is getting into coaching. She is passionate about the game, is very knowledgeable and is a great leader. She was always involved in our team community events and loved coaching and officiating at our tournaments,”Thebarge said. “When she told me about the opening, she was eager to apply and her excitement was great. She immediately had thoughts in her head about the future, what she was going to do at practices, etc. As a young coach, she is ready and determined to transition from player to coach. She has a lot of support and I know that the Waterville field hockey program is in good hands and I look forward to seeing its growth in the near future.”
The Purple Panthers finished 2-11-1 under coach Amie Danielson last season. Cunningham will have the majority of that team returning. Caitlin White and Sarah Joler were the only seniors on that roster.
“I think it’s always helpful to have a group of girls that are experienced and know the routine. This helps the team dynamic on and off the field, and also gives those new or younger players someone to look up too,”Cunningham said. “I think having a group of experienced players this year will definitely help.”
The first official practice for the Waterville field hockey team will be Monday, August 15th.
