Jane DeGrenier Honored with Junior Field Hockey Award 

The National Field Hockey Coaches Association has named NCS head field hockey coach Jane DeGrenier as this year’s recipient of the Junior Hockey Award. Established in 2011, the Junior Hockey Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the maintenance or development of a junior field hockey program. 

DeGrenier has been at NCS for 25 years and coaches both varsity and Middle School field hockey, in addition to teaching physical education and leading a club team, the Southeast Storm. 

Director of Athletics and Physical Education Heather Dent called DeGrenier’s presence on campus “a true gift” and praised her dedication to NCS’s mission: “Women like Jane are pioneers for women and girls’ equality and opportunity to participate in sport. Jane remains a beacon in our department and in the school to speak to the importance of girls’ athletics.” 

Prior to coming to NCS, DeGrenier coached at NCAA Division I and Division III institutions, including the University of Richmond and Hollins University. She was also director of operations for the University of Maryland field hockey program in the 2011 season, during a sabbatical from NCS. DeGrenier has participated in five NCAA Final Fours in field hockey and lacrosse, winning a national championship in field hockey while playing for Ithaca College.

As both a physical education teacher and a coach, DeGrenier has had an impact on athletes of all ages.

“She uses the playing field to teach students how to approach weaknesses and turn them into strengths, how to accept a role and perform that role to the highest level, and most importantly, how to find joy in working with others even when the results may be measured in small, incremental goals,” Dent said.

Lily Moore ’21, whom DeGrenier has coached and mentored since 5th grade, said: “Her ability to shape athletes is unmatched, but her focus on teaching life lessons and bringing positivity to every practice is what makes her so special. She knows the game like the back of her hand, and every minute spent in practice is thoughtful, every game-time decision is meticulously chosen. She is a huge part of the reason why I fell in love with the sport.”

DeGrenier is the ninth person to receive the Junior Hockey Award, which will be presented at the next in-person NFHCA Awards Dinner.
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    • NCS field hockey coach Jane DeGrenier, on left, was recognized by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.