Virginia field hockey coach Michelle Madison has guided her program to four straight NCAA Tournament bids and a Final Four appearance in 2009. The Sabre caught up with Coach Madison for this article that is part of a “State of the Programs†series. As always, some leftover quotes that didn’t make the story find a home here on the blog. Enjoy!
On the 2009 season’s success …
“We had a really young team and I think the team is very talented and they knew it with the four under-21 Junior World Cup players leading the talent of the team. That made the team very optimistic about what was possible. The team really worked through it and to come out of the semifinals of the ACC with a win against North Carolina, who eventually won the National Championship, that was huge. The Final Four was a battle and hopefully we learned a lot from that situation also.â€
On the 2010 season and the challenges …
“You really have to work toward being the best you can be by the time tournament time comes. You have to be healthy and rested and ready to take on the next challenge. Goal setting early on will be important. You have to keep them interested in that phase before the tournament. They’re so eager for the tournament to start, but you have to be like no, no, no back up, this will get us ready for the tournament. We’re optimistic without a doubt.â€
On the Directors’ Cup …
“The success here at the University – I mean success breeds success right? They all want to win because they all hang out with each other and no one wants to say ‘Well we lost.’ I think that really helps. It’s a catalyst for expectations internally for the student body.â€
On recruiting and prospects’ interest in the program …
“No doubt the top kids want to be in a program that can win a National Championship and the athletes that are interested here want to do it for the program and be the first ones. … I think the coaches are back involved. We really got involved with the Virginia schools and the Virginia high school coaches because I thought that was important and Pennsylvania and New Jersey and the contacts there. … I think if it’s the right fit for kids academically, of course the commitment has to be there, for UVa and the style of play – our University sells itself. It’s a great problem to have. You want to make the right decision for the right kid and the right year.â€
