Karen A. Collins, Connecticut – 1999
Karen A. Collins is currently the Assistant Executive Director of the United States Field Hockey Association Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She began her coaching career at Windsor Locks, CT, High School where she served as field hockey, basketball and track coach from 1975-1983. In 1984 Karen moved to the University of Michigan where she assumed the responsibilities as head field hockey coach. From 1986-1989, Coach Collins was a member of the United Stated Field Hockey National Coaching staff. Since 1989 she has been a field hockey official.
Karen is affiliated with the National Federation of Interscholastic Officials, the United States Field Hockey Association and is a sectional umpire from 1989-2000. She is also a field hockey official for the Colorado High School Activities Association, 1989-2000.
She has been a section umpire for the United States Field Hockey Association, served as chair for the AAU National Sports Field Hockey, served as the nominating committee chair and member of the Board of Directors (1996-1997) of the National Council of Youth Sports, as a member of the Board of Directors of the United States Field Hockey Association, 1986-1989 and as a member of the Executive Board from 1987-1988. In 1997 and 1998, Karen umpired the Colorado High School Field Hockey State championships.
In 1998 and 1999, Karen was named the National High School Federation Colorado Field Hockey Official of the Year.
The following statement by Karen is included because of its relevance to the goals and aims of the New Agenda: Northeast:
“From the time I was in junior high school – pre Title IX – I was fortunate to have women in athletics who served as role models and mentors. I was encouraged to compete in sports (4 sports in high school and 3 sports in college). I was also encouraged to pursue a career in athletics. I never thought of doing anything else. Those women made me realize how important it was to continue to create and maintain opportunities for women and to mentor other young women to follow.
I coached at the high school and college levels for 15 years and it was a pleasure to realize the impact I could have on the young women I coached. Many have continued in athletics.
Ten years ago, I went to work for the United States Field Hockey Association (USFHA). My job allows me to have a much greater impact on the sport and the people involved in the sport throughout the country. My position as assistant executive director affords me the chance to provide and expand competitive opportunities for field hockey athletes at all levels from out Olympic teams to our youngest grassroots players.
Field Hockey has remained primarily a woman’s sport in the U.S. and the USFHA continues to be driven by women empowered by their ability to run the national governing body for their sport. My job with the Association allows me to promote and raise awareness of field hockey and women’s athletics with my Olympic sports colleagues and other national sports organizations.
I appreciate this nomination. It is an honor to even be considered among the women who have been my role models.”