Molly Bennett’s passion for field hockey is like a beam of light that glows brightly. And, when she talks about the sport, there’s enthusiasm and excitement in her voice.
Ashland High’s new varsity coach, who played four years on defense for the Clockers, also competed for four additional seasons at Bridgewater State, which won three MASCAC championships during her undergraduate days.
The 23-year-old Ashland native has always wanted to coach but her first priority was to get all her education completed. She majored in education and math, earning a bachelors degree, then worked on a masters in special education, which is also from Bridgewater. Bennett, who has been a substitute teacher in the Ashland system for five years, will begin her first year fulltime this month, teaching math at the Middle School.
“When the field hockey job opened, I knew the time was right to apply for a coaching position,’’ Bennett said. “I was hired in June and met most of the girls at a meeting later that month. I stressed how excited and committed I am to be their coach. We talked about the season ahead, learning technique, being strong in the skills needed, being in shape and working hard for success.’’
The girls no doubt discovered that their new coach not only loves the sport, but she’s also very objective in hearing other points of view. “I made it clear that we’ll have a team-first mentality and that I want them to feel comfortable approaching me with questions, thoughts and ideas.’’
Athletic Director Mike Grimes is pleased that Bennett is on board. “Coach Bennett will be a positive role model for this young team, and I look forward to seeing the program grow and develop under her leadership,’’ he said.
Ashland’s field hockey program has finished in the middle of the pack in the Tri Valley League in the recent past. When Bennett played (from 2008 to 2011), the Clockers had only one tourney appearance (her freshman year, losing in the second round to Harwich).
“I’m looking forward to coaching and competing in the TVL,’’ she noted. “I played in the league and know it will be challenging. Dover, Medfield and Hopkinton have been very formidable squads.’’
Local Town Pages deadline arrived before Bennett was able to assess her players’ talent and abilities but it’s obvious she knows the attributes that will lead to success.
“When I assemble a team, I want competitors who set individual and team goals,’’ she emphasized. “I also want players who are motivated in achieving their goals. Coachable players with positive attitudes are a must and it’s good to have girls who understand and react well to constructive criticism. Talent is important but players with heart, passion and determination are needed. Girls with athleticism who are skilled in the basics and have a high field hockey IQ are also major plusses.’’
A captain her senior year at Ashland and at Bridgewater enabled Bennett to lead by example, to be vocal and to assist younger players. Although she has no previous coaching experience, Bennett did get a flavor of what coaching would be like, volunteering at summer field hockey camps while in college and helping prospective players understand the sport at a clinic while she was a senior at Ashland.
A smart, aggressive defender at Ashland and at Bridgewater, Bennett was a TVL all-star during her senior year as a Clocker. “I always tried to be aware of field position and be vigilant about my role on defense,’’ Bennett said.
Her best game at Ashland was her last of her high school career. It pitted the Clockers against Dover-Sherborn. “We were the underdog but we stayed with them and rallied for a tie,’’ Bennett recalled. “We rose to the challenge and showed lots of heart and determination.’’
Playing against UMass-Dartmouth while at Bridgewater was always challenging. When she was only a sophomore, Bennett was involved in a marathon game that went Bridgewater’s way. “We were tied during regulation and tied after two overtimes,’’ she said. “After 70 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime, we went to a shootout and won. It was amazing to be part of a big game and I got my share of minutes. It was a proud feeing and a great team win.’’
Bennett, who also played two varsity seasons of softball at Ashland, rates her college coach — Erika Smith — as a mentor who helped her develop passion for field hockey. “Erika was a role model,’’ Bennett said. “She was supportive and she instilled passion. She was simply a great resource.’’
Relying on a competitive philosophy that combines winning, reaching one’s potential and enjoying athletics, Bennett is a firm believer that sports teach valuable life lessons. “Players learn teamwork, accountability, resiliency, and how to deal with challenges,’’ she noted. “I hope our players will realize how lucky they are to be playing sports. That’s a place where they develop lifelong relationships.’’
When she was named a TVL all-star after the 2011 season, that honor was a signal to Bennett that her hard work paid off, her passion for field hockey was noticed and that she was a superb representative of her school and the athletic program.
“It was a nice way to finish up my high school career,’’ Bennett said.
Now, she’s back with the sport she admires at a school where she played. Molly Bennett should be a terrific ambassador for Ashland field hockey.
Issue Date:
September, 2017
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