100 Years of Bryn Mawr Field Hockey

Under the direction of  head coach Jeannette Budzik, the 2023 Bryn Mawr Varsity Field Hockey team impressed competitors and earned   accolades as  the 17th ranked team in the mid-Atlantic by Max Field Hockey. On October 19, 2023, Bryn Mawr celebrated 100 years of competitive field hockey with a convincing 4-2 victory over Notre Dame Prep. The celebration involved BMS field hockey alumnae gathering on Rosabelle Sinclair Turf to cheer on the current team during their Senior Game and ended with a celebratory team dinner.

While celebrating her 40th year as a Bryn Mawr faculty member, Ms. Budzik took time to reflect on her great impact on Bryn Mawr Field Hockey in an interview with The Quill.

Could you give some background for your long career as a Bryn Mawr FH coach?

I started coaching in 1984 when I first arrived at Bryn Mawr. I was the JV coach and then moved to the Varsity coach position the following year. 

What have you seen change?

Lots have changed over the years. One of the first things to change was the elimination of the off-sides rule. Similar to soccer, there had to be a defender in front of you if you did not have the ball. When this rule was eliminated, there were less whistles, and the game seemed to pick up intensity. Spectators, players, and coaches would often complain about the whistles during games. Honestly, I would say the whistle would blow at least every 10 seconds. Now, there are a lot less which makes the game more free-flowing and very exciting.  

Some of the best changes is that for a free hit, a “self-start” can be used. This means when the other team fouls and your team gets a free hit, you can either self-start by dribbling, hitting, or lifting the ball. This increase of options has led to more strategic play and a faster paced game.  

The uniforms and equipment has also changed to include shorter nosed sticks, masks worn for safety on corners, and increased strength and size of shin guards. The playing field has also changed from grass to artificial turf, allowing the ball to move at a much faster pace. 30-minute halves have turned into 15 minute quarters. The quarter play makes sure athletes are given time to hydrate and rest.

Due to all of the changes over the last 25 years or so, I would say that there has been a field hockey revolution in the way the game is played in that it is much faster and players are more technically skilled. Rule changes, equipment changes, stick changes, and field changes have allowed athletes to really capitalize on their athleticism.

What has stayed the same?

The number of players on the field has stayed the same and the desire to win and play your best for your school, club, or organization.

How does the legacy of past players carry over?

Past players have laid the foundation for the high level of competition we currently hold in the IAAM A division (there are three divisions A, B, & C). There are big shoes to fill and I know that players and teams want to continue the legacy of a strong field hockey program. 

What are the qualities of a successful team?

Successful teams are focused and disciplined. Each individual shows a commitment to the team by showing up to every practice and game ready to work and play hard. Successful teams don’t make excuses or blame others when something goes awry. They buckle down and keep working to adjust and make changes and individual players ask themselves, “What do I need to work on to play better for my team?” and “How can I better support my team?”  This goes for coaches too.  It’s important that coaches question themselves and not make excuses. Successful teams also recognize competition for what it truly is….competition.  If you want to play well and/or win, you have to practice and play to win; it is not going to happen because you have the desire or because you want it to, you have to take actionable steps to make it happen; it’s like anything in life - academics, work etc. I think successful teams also recognize that their absolute best game could result in a loss because that is also the nature of competition and while it might be hard in the moment, successful teams can visualize how far they’ve come.  

What has kept you coming back to the team?

The athletes. It is the joy that I feel stepping onto the field each afternoon with athletes willing to work hard toward a common goal, and witnessing their spirit of giving it all - emotionally, physically and mentally;  I love the “poetic moments” when we are poised and our passing flows around the opponents; it is beautiful to watch and often gives me goosebumps! But don’t get me wrong, I love to witness the struggle and toe-to-toe battles too, and when a Bryn Mawr player comes up with the ball, it’s sweet! And most importantly, it is just plain fun!! There is a lot of hard work that goes on but there are also a lot of laughs and silliness with coaches, players, managers etc. I would not have wanted to be anywhere else but the field every afternoon.  

How do you hope to see the program grow in the next 100 years?

I would like to see it continue its upward momentum. In 100 years, I’d like to see the Bryn Mawr team outsmart, outwit and outplay any AI team! I have to believe in the human condition and that sweat equity means something!

Bryn Mawr Varsity Field Hockey’s season ended on Thursday, November 3 against Garrison Forest in the IAAM A Conference tournament semifinals. Alongside Coach Jennifer Arrogoncia and former player Carey Fetting-Smith ‘01, Ms. Budzik closed out a historic year of high-level competition. As Bryn Mawr looks ahead to the 2024 season, the team will build on Ms. Budzik’s coaching and the legacy of the field hockey program to reach higher success.