Roberts Wesleyan University Field Hockey Experiences ‘Exponential’ Growth In First Two Seasons

Photos Courtesy of Roberts Wesleyan University

As the Roberts Wesleyan University women’s field hockey team took the field for its first practice in August 2023, head coach Marissa Kocher gathered her players on the sideline to discuss the team’s first order of business – how they were going to warm-up.

The Redhawks, who will enter their third season of Division II competition, have come a long way in the past 18 months.

“I would definitely describe the growth to be exponential,” said goalkeeper Avery Richardson, who will be a junior next season. “It's been crazy.”

The most obvious place to spot the growth is by looking at the Redhawks’ roster. Roberts fielded a team of 12 to 13 players in its inaugural season. With seven incoming recruits from the Class of 2025 already signed, Kocher anticipates having more than 20 players on the team this fall.

“That's huge growth and our goal is that the quality of our product doesn't change with who we have on the field,” said Kocher. “I’m really excited about the players we have coming in and the ability to turn the corner on some of the games as we continue to grow and invest in our program.”

While looking at the roster may be the easiest way to see the growth, it is far from the only place.

Roberts doubled its win total in its second season and also improved its quality of play dramatically. The Redhawks lost six games by one goal, including two in double-overtime. Roberts also showed significant improvement in possession time and shot percentage last season.

“We're focused on what little things it takes to get us there and keeping those things in mind because it's about the process and what we're doing to get the outcomes that we want,” commented Kocher.

Richardson ranked second in Division II in saves per game (10.07) and ninth in save percentage (.807) last season and has been a key to the success.

“She has a mind-set of making every single person on the team better,” said Kocher. “Her tactical knowledge of the game is outstanding and she thrives on hard things. She has really been a cornerstone for us, not just on the field, but in the way that she handles those challenges and leads the team.”

From the moment she was hired in March 2023, Kocher had focused on developing a culture for the program. Beyond the field, the Redhawks excel in the classroom as ten team members were recently recognized by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) for academic excellence and the community.

“I think what's been the most special is that we are a collaborative team,” added Kocher. “My goal is that we're player led in the sense that they have this buy-in that they're also pushing our team, our culture and our environment.”

Richardson said the players feel that support every day.

“We definitely have a very close-knit culture,” said Richardson. “A big thing in our culture is that you shouldn't be scared of failure. We always welcome failure, and I think that's really helped us grow.”

Kocher came to Roberts with a five-year plan and is buoyed by the fact that the Redhawks have already surpassed some of the things that she was hoping to see in year three or year four.

The Redhawks have started to establish their own traditions and lay the foundation of the program.

There is also hope that the growth can continue on the field and by one day joining a conference. Until then, the focus will remain the same.

“We talk a lot about our ‘circle,’ which is our team and that includes every single person from the training room staff to the bus driver to the coaches and players,” said Kocher. “No matter who you are, that circle is something that will continue to grow and you never leave that circle.

“I can’t be more thankful for the players that we’ve had. I have just been blown away by how special they are and how dedicated they have been. They're better than I could have ever imagined.”