Virginia Tech Field Hockey Team Profile

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The Virginia Tech Field Hockey team has been a force to be reckoned with in the world of collegiate athletics. With a rich history of success and a commitment to excellence, the team has become a staple of the Virginia Tech Athletics program. In this article, we will take a closer look at the team's profile, including their history, coaching staff, notable players, and achievements.

History of the Virginia Tech Field Hockey Team

The Virginia Tech Field Hockey team was established in 1901, making it one of the oldest field hockey programs in the United States. Over the years, the team has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, but has consistently produced talented players and competitive teams. In the early years, the team competed as a club sport, but in 1984, it was elevated to varsity status.

Early Success and Conference Affiliations

In the 1980s and 1990s, the Virginia Tech Field Hockey team experienced a period of significant success, winning several conference championships and making appearances in the NCAA Tournament. In 1995, the team joined the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), which has been its home ever since. The ACC is one of the most competitive conferences in the country, and the Virginia Tech Field Hockey team has consistently held its own against top-ranked opponents.

Coaching Staff

The Virginia Tech Field Hockey team is led by Head Coach Tara Vittese, who has been at the helm since 2019. Coach Vittese is a highly respected coach in the field hockey world, with a proven track record of success. Under her leadership, the team has shown significant improvement, and she has been instrumental in recruiting top talent to the program.

Assistant Coaches

In addition to Coach Vittese, the Virginia Tech Field Hockey team has two assistant coaches: Assistant Coach Rachel Boyle and Assistant Coach Meredith Cowden. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program, and have been instrumental in the team's success.

Notable Players

The Virginia Tech Field Hockey team has produced several notable players over the years, including:

• Lauren Flynn, who was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
• Kristina Dixon, who was a First-Team All-American in 2019.
• Taylor Huffman, who was a Second-Team All-American in 2020.

Achievements

The Virginia Tech Field Hockey team has achieved significant success over the years, including:

• Winning the ACC Championship in 2018 and 2020.
• Making appearances in the NCAA Tournament in 2017, 2018, and 2020.
• Being ranked as high as #2 in the country in the NCAA rankings.

Facilities and Equipment

The Virginia Tech Field Hockey team plays its home games at Thompson Field, which is located on the Virginia Tech campus. The field is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a turf surface and a video scoreboard. The team also has access to a strength and conditioning facility, as well as a sports medicine center.

Recruiting and Eligibility

The Virginia Tech Field Hockey team is committed to recruiting top talent from around the country. The team's coaching staff works closely with prospective student-athletes to ensure that they meet the NCAA's eligibility requirements. In addition, the team offers several camps and clinics throughout the year, which provide opportunities for young players to develop their skills and be seen by college coaches.

We hope you have enjoyed this profile of the Virginia Tech Field Hockey team. With its rich history, talented players, and dedicated coaching staff, the team is sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of collegiate athletics.