Coccia shows leadership toward youth
Amanda PapkeSenior field hockey player Katie Coccia will do whatever it takes to win.
The co-captain has started 56 games at midfield, but decided to make the move to center back to replace All-MAC player Jeanette Spero.
“I think her volunteering to change positions is a true example of being a team player,” said Head Coach Cristy Freese. “Heading into their senior year, players want to do what is best for them, and to have her switch from offense to defense is very unselfish. That is what you want in a senior and in a leader.”
Coccia is working hard in attempts to gel with the rest of the defense.
“The transition has been great, and I like center back a lot better,” Coccia said. “I feel confident out on the field and with the people I am playing with. All in all, I think it was a good move for me.”
That is about as much praise as Coccia will give to herself, as she focuses on team goals above personal ones.
“We want to do better than last year, and win the MAC outright,” she said. “We would also like to win the MAC Tournament so we can get a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Then, we want to be successful there.”
Senior forward and co-captain Tarah Trottier likes the energy Coccia brings to the field.
“She has been our sparkplug on defense,” Trottier said. “Coccia is like a general on defense, and I don’t think anyone of us could handle the change the way she has.”
Coccia wants the team to look to her when problems arise on the field.
“I just want to be a good leader so people can look up to me, and I want my teammates to count on me in pressure situations,” she said. “When you are an athlete at this level you have to be able to thrive on that type of pressure.”
Although the team has started the season 0-2, Coccia is confident things will turn around.
“Right now we are just working off some kinks, but everyone is improving each game,” Coccia said. “This team has great skills and we just have to put them all together.”
