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Sept. 29, 2006
This week the Virginia field hockey team has a key ACC showdown with Maryland Friay at 6 p.m. at the Turf Field. VirginiaSports.com catches up with Cavalier field hockey coach Michele Madison for an update on the season:
VirginiaSports.com: The field hockey team is off to a great start and has moved into the top-10 of the national rankings. What were some of the things you have used as the foundation to build the program?
Madison: We started to build the foundation with fitness and basic skills and a relentless competitive attitude.
VirginiaSports.com: Are those the same principles you used at other collegiate programs and when you helped to coach the World Cup team?
Madison: I used the same foundation to rebuild Temple and Michigan State. My role with the World Cup team was more strategically to coach the goalkeepers and to assist with circle defense. Fitness and skills were a big component for the World Cup team. The head coach, Pam Hixon, and the staff took on the World Cup challenge with five months to prepare. The team’s work ethic and determination were instrumental in their success.
VirginiaSports.com: Describe what it is like at halftime. Is your approach any different if you are ahead or behind?
Madison: The locker room is the same. We evaluate our performance objectives from a team standpoint and address what is important next.
VirginiaSports.com: Have any players really stood out from the rest?
Madison: Every game we seem to have different players stepping up, which is the mark of a good team. We kept players on the team who were ready to handle the challenge. We continually work to build the depth and give players an opportunity to contribute. Lindsay O’Bannon and Inge Kaars Sijpestijn arrived to preseason training fit and ready to compete. Day in and day out, they set the standard for work rate, intensity and focus.
VirginiaSports.com: How important are academics in terms of the success of the team?
Madison: Academics are above all else. The UVA athletes have to be dedicated beyond the average student to achieve their academic goals and pursue athletic endeavors.
VirginiaSports.com: What are the toughest challenges you and your team face this year?
Madison: Learning everything all at once and challenging their self-imposed boundaries.