“I love having her back, she’s a great coach and I think she’s very helpful to our team” said Junior captain, Ava Johnson when asked about the return of the iconic coach, Donna Andersen.
After 31 years, it’s safe to say Andersen is legendary in the Triton Community. From generation to generation people have only good things to say about her. Andersen started in 1993 with coaching JV field hockey, shortly after that she moved up to head varsity coach, then in 2015 she doubled up and started coaching boys lacrosse. Although that is impressive, her career started in high school. Andersen was an amazing athlete for her Triton teams, ultimately leading her to being inducted to the Triton Hall Of Fame, a huge honor. She then went on to play Division 1 field hockey as well as Lacrosse at the University of New Hampshire, which prepared her for her future ahead. From sport to sport, she has left her mark on every athlete that’s come across her path here at Triton.
“Everyone was so sad when she left, she made a huge impact on everyone around her so i’m glad she’s back on the field and I get to see her every day,” stated Luke Sullivan the field hockey manager for the past four years of high school.
Andersen has made her way back after retiring less than a year ago. When the Triton graduate Emily Smith took over Andersen’s position at the beginning of the season she was ecstatic. Unfortunately a few weeks ago, Smith found out some sad news and had to resign from the position due to health issues.
That’s when Andersen came in half way through the 2024 season with many obstacles to resolve. From lineup changes, to senior night dates, to raising overall team morale, she had her hands tied.
One conversation with Andersen and one can quickly feel her energy and love for the game of field hockey. Andersen is happy being back on the field after her retirement from coaching a year ago.
“I actually love it,” said Andersen. “I selfishly wish I had time to work out without being exhausted, but I’m enjoying it because it’s the kids I had last year, and I like being able to coach them again”.
Andersen retired from coaching last year and will retire from teaching this year to go live in her newly built South Carolina house. There, she will be enjoying the warm weather, her beautiful home and many rounds of golf. So far, Andersen has made a huge impact on the girls and many would back that up.
“I absolutely love having coach A back,” senior captain Grace McHale said.” It’s been very helpful and beneficial for us. We had a rough start to our season and I think it has brought a lot of strength. It was very rocky at the beginning and her coaching us again has already improved us”.
McHale herself along with her teammates are all happy that the legend is back on the field and can’t wait to see how the rest of the season goes.
