Field Hockey

Student playing field hockey

Field hockey was established in 1915 by the Student Athletic Association (SAA). Soon after its formation, the sport remained very popular in the college. Also, “Odds” and “Evens” teams were formed to play friendly matches. In 1916, the college decided to form class teams and a varsity team. Similar to basketball, there was an emphasis on fun rather than competition and the winning team would earn a hockey cup. In that same year, the Sophomore class won the first interclass game. Class team members earned numerals and varsity team members earned a yellow “S,” decorated with blue hockey sticks. Exceptional players in varsity would earn the hockey “S” and SAA organized banquets in honor of the winning class and the players. In 1922, the Simmons team hosted an English field hockey team to teach them better playing strategies. 

Students playing field hockey

However, interest in the sport remained mixed during the 1930s and 1940s. In the 1950s, interclass tournaments returned, and there were also student-faculty hockey games on Simmons Fields Day.The interest decreased again during the next decades but field hockey was being played again by the 1980s. The team joined the Wheelock College Hockey Club and practiced on the Winsor School field. Despite having difficult seasons, the field hockey team became known for its good spirit and positivity. 

Field hockey match against Castleton University

In the 1990s, the popularity of the sport continued and the team’s record improved. In 1997, they had their best season in Simmons history with a record of 12-3. In 2005, the team received its first bid to the Eastern College Athletic Conference tournament, and head coach Jen Starek was voted Top Coach of the Conference in 2007.