Denise J. Nugent, Massachusetts – 2000

Denise began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant field hockey coach at Westfield High School during her student teaching. Following graduation, she returned to her hometown of Watertown and began coaching field hockey at Watertown High School in 1985. From 1986-1994, she was the JV field hockey coach. She then moved to Waltham High School (1995) and became the varsity field hockey coach in 1996, a position she holds today. While at Waltham High School, she helped to obtain two grants to begin the field hockey program and girls lacrosse as well. One grant came from the Women’s Sports Foundation ($5,000) and the second from Ocean Spray ($2,500) for the purpose of working with the Waltham Recreation Department to start a youth field hockey program.

During her career, Denise has been affiliated with the Greater Boston League, where she served as the league representative. She also holds membership in the Women’s Sports Foundation, the NEW Fund, MAHPERD, AAHPERD, MSFHCA, and MBCA (executive board member). She has also participated yearly in the Massachusetts Celebration of National Girls and Women in Sport Day.

Her overall team records are: 76 wins, 15 losses, and 8 ties. Her league team records are: 59 wins, 2 losses, and 7 ties. Her teams were Greater Boston League champions in 1997, 1998, and 1999. She had post season appearances in 1996-1999. They were Division I North Semi-finalists in 1998 and Division I North Champions in 1999. They are currently in first place and one win away from qualifying for Tournament, 2000.

Her expertise in field hockey has been recognized several times. She was named the Greater Boston League Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1997, 1998, and 1999. The Boston Globe named her Division I Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1998. The Metrowest Daily News named her the Field Hockey Coach of the Year in 1999.