Betsy Doherty, Massachusetts – 2008

Betsy Doherty, Massachusetts – 2008

A graduate of East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, Betsy came to Massachusetts and started coaching field hockey at Canton High School in 1985.  In 1996 she left the varsity position and took over the middle school field hockey program (when all middle school programs were cut) working through the Canton Recreation Department.  Betsy brought with her the winning ways of her varsity teams and has run a successful feeder program to the Canton varsity.

Betsy was one of the founding members of the Massachusetts South Sectional Field Hockey Association in 1986.  She served as treasurer and chaired the Summer Camp Scholarship Committee and worked at other activities to promote field hockey on the South Shore including the Flick-off Clinic and summer leagues.

Active in the PTO of the Quincy Schools, Betsy served on many committees.  Her most rewarding experience was chairing the committee for the installation of a playground at the Berazani Elementary School.  She represented the school at meetings with town officials and the mayor.  The playground was installed in 2000 with the help of the City of Quincy.

Called into action in 2000, Betsy created and coached a lacrosse camp for Quincy Recreation Summer Program, targeting 5th through 9th grade girls.  In 2008, she was recruited by the athletic director at North Quincy High School to coach the varsity girls lacrosse team – with only four returning players.  Citing “no experience necessary and equipment provided”, Coach Doherty successfully recruited girls for a varsity and jv program in the first year.

Betsy continues to coach middle school field hockey in Canton and high school lacrosse at North Quincy.  She is passionate about working with her girls on the athletic fields.