Sept. 5 was like any other game day for the Cabrini Cavaliers field hockey team. The team was in Madison, New Jersey for a tournament but little did they know that this would be a weekend they would never forget. Defeating Drew University 3-0 gave Coach Jackie Neary her 200th field hockey win in her 19 years as head coach of the program.
When asked about what this win meant to her Coach Neary was speechless.
“As coaches, it is quite a bar to reach and it’s just exciting. It’s not like you’re going for it. It’s a direct result of the years of being in the sport and trying to put out the best teams. I’m thrilled for my players who helped me achieve it and it is great for the program,” Neary said.
Going into the game the team did not know what could happen.
Gabby Glenning, senior defensive player, said, “It was treated like any other game. Jackie likes to focus on the task at hand and then celebrate later. I feel like all her wins are a testament of her coaching ability.”
Glenning went on to say that playing for Coach Neary and all her speeches are some of her most memorable moments here at Cabrini.
“For every piece of advice she gives the team comes life lessons that are more valuable than the next. Those are the things that will stick with me after I graduate,” Glenning said.
Cavaliers’ field hockey is a family business
or the Nearys. In fact, there are two Jackie Neary’s on the team: the coach and her daughter who plays midfield.
“Playing for my mom is awesome,” Neary said. “She’s a great coach and I learn so
much from her and I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else.”
Having one’s mom as their coach seems like a recipe for disaster but not for these two ladies.
“Playing for my mom hasn’t changed our relationship that much. When I’m playing I’m not her daughter. I’m just another player,” Neary said.
The sport has played a monu- mental role in Coach Neary’s life outside of being her job.
“They’re like family to me. Fifteen years ago when I was battling cancer my team was my main support system,” Neary said.
Coach Neary pushes her team to the max from preseason to post season. “Preseason is very difficult. They’re doing double practices. The girls are physically and mentally exhausted. Having a win like this one makes it all worth it,” Neary said.
