Jacqueline Deane, Massachusetts – 2017

Jacqueline Deane, Massachusetts – 2017

After graduating from Southern CT State, Jackie began coaching field hockey, basketball, and softball at Weymouth (MA) Junior High School in 1972.  In 1976 she moved on to coach varsity soccer and basketball at Weymouth High School.  Then she coached basketball and softball at Stoughton High School from 2001 through 2015.  Also during that time (1971-2015) she officiated field hockey, basketball, soccer, and softball.

Jackie served as Tournament Director for soccer and softball from 1973-1979.  She founded and directed Weymouth girls soccer from 1974-1980.

She served on officiating boards for field hockey (NAGWS), basketball (NAGWS), soccer (CMSOA) and softball (ASA).  As an official, Jackie was one of the first women to serve on both ASA and CMSOA.  She was the first female softball umpire and soccer referee that any team saw as she umpired games at all levels (high school and college) for both men’s and women’s teams.

Jackie’s awards from the State Coaches Association include: 2000 Victory Award for soccer, 2000 Victory Award for basketball, and MIAA Sportsmanship Award for softball.  She was chosen to represent the NAGWS Girls’ Soccer Rules Committee in Washington, DC – the first time girls had soccer rules.

“I have always believed both as a coach and an official that girls who played the game needed positive support.  They also needed to learn that a high level of sportsmanship was an important part of any competition. … Respect for the team and the sport was the most important part of my coaching career.”