SVHS head field hockey coach Sarah Hawk setting up a drill for her team.
Saucon Valley High School field hockey coach Sarah (Denzel) Hawk is deeply invested in SV athletics. She and her two older brothers all went through our schools (K-12) and played sports here. Coach Hawk is back and leading the Panther field hockey program. Check out what she had to say!
Q: You are a homegrown gal. You were born and raised in Saucon Valley. What sports did you play while in high school here?
A: I played a little soccer and was on the swim team. I also played basketball, softball and field hockey where I earned MVP honors my junior year.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your college years after graduating from Saucon Valley High School.
A: I went to Kutztown University and graduated in 2000 with a degree in Education. I am certified in elementary education and special education.
Q: Are you strictly a field hockey coach or do you still play any sports?
A: After playing rugby for two years at Kutztown, I started playing ice hockey. I currently play for the “Southside Thrashers,” who are a traveling women’s team. I have been playing hockey for 15 years now.
SV Field Hockey Coach Sarah Hawk preparing her players for the 2016 season during a July morning workout session.
Q: This is your second stint coaching field hockey at Saucon Valley. What brought you back?
A: My first year out of college I volunteered to help the goalies at Saucon. The following year I became the JV head coach and did that for a couple years. I also coached at Pen Argyl and Bangor. In 2008 I became the head coach back here at Saucon Valley. In 2011, I became pregnant with my daughter Lauren and had to resign. However, I was able to make things work and came back last season as head coach again.
Q: What are your highlights from last season?
A: Unfortunately, we went 3-15 last season. It was my worst record ever as a player or a coach. But, I can tell you I have learned the most from it. Every day we learn and grow as players and coaches. Last season taught me to never take it easy on my players just because half of them are on the sidelines with injuries. You must always train all of your players to be great, even if you only have half of them available to practice.
Q: What was the best advice you were ever given from one of your former coaches?
A: I think you learn to be a good coach based on the coaches you had throughout your career as a player. You allow it to shape you into what works for you as a coach. Alice Friend was my coach in high school at Saucon Valley and she is now a mentor to me. When I first started as a head coach she helped me out a lot. I still go to her for advice about coaching.
SV Field Hockey coach Sarah Hawk pointing junior Helen Kreschollek toward success.
Q: What will make this upcoming season a success for you?
A: Fortunately, we only graduated three seniors. We have a number of rising juniors returning who benefitted from getting lots of Varsity experience last year. We also have a couple of players coming back to field hockey after experimenting with other sports. Our numbers are looking better and we are hoping to field both a Varsity and JV team this season. No matter what, I want to see the girls grow as players and individuals. I want them to love the game, become the best players they can be and be great teammates.
Q: It appears as if you have a “homegrown” coaching staff as well.
A: Yes, my entire staff are former SV players. Most of them I have coached. JV head coach is Laura (Boyd) Braxmeier. High school assistant is Sammi Laub. The middle school head coach is Amanda Mowrey, who is assisted by Kaitlin Shermetta.
Q: What are the most important characteristics you and your staff are looking for in your players?
A: We want our players to be determined and never give up. We also want our players to be responsible and take ownership of themselves and their mistakes. We are also looking for the players to make the commitment to put their team first.
Q: What “things” do you hope your players leave your program with?
A: I want them to learn that hard work is necessary for what they want in life. Also, my hope is they all graduate with great memories of having fun with friends, and that no one player is as good as any team.
Rising senior Rachel Panek and her teammates working hard during Coach Hawks offseason practice.
The Panther Field Hockey program has paid their offseason dues with a little blood, plenty of morning sweat and maybe even a few tears. Coach Hawk and company have put in the work and are looking forward to a great 2016 season. If you have any interest in participating in field hockey or any other PIAA Middle School or High School sport in the Fall season you need to try and make arrangements right now!
For more information contact:
Ro*********@sv********.org
or
Di**********@sv********.org
.
You can also call the Athletic Office at 610-838-7001, ext. 2720. Summer office hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Best of luck this upcoming season to Coach Hawk and the Saucon Valley Field Hockey team. The Source is with you!
