Q&A with Field Hockey Head Coach Zoe Almquist
9/5/2019 9:36:00 AM | Field Hockey, DAF
What inspired you to join the coaching staff at Davidson College? Davidson is a dream coaching position for me, for so many reasons. Before I even made it to campus, it was on my short list because it ticked all the boxes – strong academics, ideal location, beautiful campus and field. Little did I know that once I arrived, I would truly fall head-over-heels for this place! It sounds cliché, but the people and community are what make Davidson so extraordinary. I couldn't imagine a more open-armed welcome from the players, the athletic department, the college as a whole, the town of Davidson and the parents and alumni – it has been an absolutely fabulous transition.
What are you most looking forward to in this first year?
Simple: game day! The team, my support staff and I have been working like crazy since April to lay the groundwork for how we want to define our program moving forward. I can't wait for all of us to be back together, working toward August 30 and beyond. Game day gives us the opportunity to see what we can achieve. If we can get all our cylinders firing in the same direction, I'm so optimistic about where this group can go.
Besides the obvious goal of working toward a conference title, what goals do you have for the program this year?
We are looking to establish a high-performance atmosphere, where excellence in all areas (on the field, in the classroom, in the community) is the expectation, not the goal. I have stressed that all the details matter, so we have taken a look at all facets of our program to see where we can grow. As we follow this path toward high performance, we hope to embrace the journey rather than be narrowly outcome focused. If we put the pieces together in the right way, we hope the results will follow.
Davidson's statement of purpose reads, "The primary purpose of Davidson College is to assist students in developing humane instincts and disciplined and creative minds for lives of leadership and service." What does leadership mean to you, and how will you instill in your players how they can lead lives of leadership and service at Davidson and beyond?
Former athletes tend to be successful and influential members of their communities, and the same is true for Davidson College alumni. Having the opportunity to spend four years with athletes and Davidson students puts me in a unique position to touch the lives of people who have the capacity to go out into the world and do great things. I believe a challenging and positive collegiate athletic experience will leave my team poised for a life of leadership and service after they graduate. I hope to be a catalyst for growth, and at the same time a constant source of support, as my team navigates this pivotal time in their lives.
What is the best coaching advice you've ever received?
"Go quick, but don't hurry." One of my former coaches used to tell me this, and she heard it from her coach (who is still a collegiate coach today!). It sticks with me in so many areas of my life, but certainly I think about it when it comes to college athletes and my team. You have to move quick – tackle all that college has to offer, be efficient, run hard, jump on the loose ball … but you also can't rush through it. College is a short four years, field hockey season is a short three months, a game is only four 15-minute quarters. Whenever you can, remember to "stop and smell the roses," make time for the small things and don't put something in the rearview mirror until it is truly there.
If you would like to hear more about the field hockey program and follow their season by receiving regular updates, contact the DAF at daf@davidson.edu. Please include the email address you would like to receive updates at and the sport(s) you would like to receive updates from.
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