With the motto “Don’t Let Up The Ship,” Head Coach Kate Dolan has been a vital ingredient to the success of the Field Hockey team. Controlling the ship of a powerhouse in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) division, Dolan has fostered a community that is caring, respectful, and accomplished.
Dolan has been coaching for 34 years, but a part of the sports world for even longer, showing her gratitude for being a part of many successful teams. She highlighted the main focuses she strives to teach the players she coaches.
“[I have been coaching] since 1990. I was lucky to be a part of extraordinary teams in college and learned that teams can be transformational experiences… We want to focus on supporting one another, on and off the field, playing with positional discipline, and being in the moment. One game at a time,” wrote Dolan in an email to The Phillipian.
Co-Captain Ellie Parker ’25 highlighted the prevalence of the team’s motto, “Don’t Settle” in Dolan’s coaching style. She highlighted ways in which Dolan has pushed athletes to be excellent both on and off the field.
Parker said, “Her coaching really emphasizes the importance of playing for each other as opposed to playing individually. On and off the field we’re always there for each other and our motto ‘don’t settle’ is really seen through how we treat each other and the respect and care that our coach emphasizes on each other throughout the entire season.”
Molly Driscoll PG ’25 emphasized the positivity and skill built by the coaching staff. She mentioned Dolan’s commitment to making players both better athletes and better people.
“We have a lot of trust in our coaches. They have been winning with this program for a while and really encourage us to lean into the sport both on and off the field. Our coaches lead the team really positively; they are always making sure we are where our feet are and staying focused on the important parts of the game,” said Driscoll.
Dolan highlighted the seniors on the team, commending the players for their leadership.
Dolan wrote in an email to The Phillipian, “We have seven terrific seniors: Annabel Curry ’25, Molly Driscoll, Peyton Kennedy ’25, Meg Stineman ’25, and our three Captains: Molly Boyle ’25, Ellie Parker, and Neily Ware ’25 — they each deserve high praise for their efforts and leadership. Seniors are the tone setters, the mentors, and the ones who lead by example and we have been extremely fortunate to have these seven steering and guiding our path this fall.”
Parker reflected upon the team’s game against Phillips Exeter Academy last year and Dolan’s positive and energetic reaction to the win.
“Last year during A/E, we won overtime, and then once we scored we all stormed the field and I just remember our coach was super happy for us. The energy and the celebration was crazy but it was freezing cold out and an under-the-lights game and we were all just super happy to be there,” said Parker.
Dolan’s coaching is guided by a drive for success. She defines success not just as tangible wins, but as a positive team environment and selfless play.
“To try to instill the sense that a “successful” team requires everyone to chip in, give, and do their part. Each player has a responsibility to contribute to the greater good, and hard things are made easier when we work together, help each other, and savor the journey.”
