The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
The most successful coach in Old Dominion University history is hanging up the sticks.
Beth Anders announced Monday that she was retiring after 29 years at the helm of the Monarchs' field hockey team.
Anders, 60, made ODU the winningest program in NCAA history with nine Division I titles. The Lady Monarchs made it to the national semifinals last fall.
She closes her career with an NCAA-best 546-130-7 record that includes 15 of the past 21 Colonial Athletic Association titles.
"It's just time. You just know," Anders said. "It's no one thing. I've been so committed and passionate about this program that so much of my life was put on the back burners. This job has been 24-7.
"Now I'll be able to see my dad more, my niece and nephew, my brother. I can do anything I want now."
Anders spent Monday fielding calls from former players, many of whom played for U.S. National and Olympic teams.
As much as the titles meant, she said they paled in comparison to the relationships forged with her players.
"I love to coach and I love the people," Anders said. "The material things mean nothing to me. I was so fortunate to coach so many great people.
They've all made a difference in my life."
Anders made a difference in the sport.
She played field hockey and lacrosse at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1973 before taking a high school coaching job. Anders said she has a total of 39 years as a coach.
Anders played for two Olympic teams, helping the U.S. squad win a bronze medal in the Los Angeles Games in 1984. She played in more than 100 international matches and was the U.S. team's leading scorer throughout her years on the squad.
She returned to the U.S. team as a coach, taking a bronze medal in 1991 and helping the team qualify for the 1994 World Cup.
But it was at ODU that she became synonymous with winning.
Anders made sure her current team and many alumni knew of her decision before going public.
"These are the special people in my life and they've made it such a great experience," she said. "All of my players were like daughters to me.
"This is a sad day and a great day. It's time for me to move on."
Lee Tolliver, 757-222-5844, lee.tolliver@pilotonline.com
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
Beth Anders
when I read this I felt really sad. She is simply the best. When my 28-year old took an interest in field hockey in Va. Beach, all we ever heard about was Beth Anders and ODU. An icon in the sport of field hockey. Now my 15-year old plays, and ODU was on her list of college prospects. Not so sure now. Anders will be deeply missed. She's leaving some big shoes to fill. I wish the ODU program the best and I wish Beth Anders the best in this next phase of her life.
What a legacy. We wish her
What a legacy. We wish her a her the best. Hate to see her go, it will be a difficult job to find a replacement.
Greatest Field Hockey Coach
This is a shocking day! Beth Anders, we appreciate your time and commitment to the sport of field hockey (Natl Coach & player). More importantly, to ODU (9 National Championships) where you inspired your players to excel on the field & in the classroom! Hopefully, Mr Selig will look within the ODU hockey family for our next Coach. There are many qualified Coaches (JMU, WAKE & Columbia to name a few) on the sidelines who played for Beth! They understand the ODU culture and what it requires to compete on a national level @ a mid major! For one of the finest Coaches in NCAA history, Anders deserved a better story from local paper. Here's a few:
http://topofthecircle.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/jan-9-2011-bulletin-beth-anders-to-retire-from-old-dominion-af
Beth Anders
Thank you, Lee Tolliver, for covering field hockey in general and in this case, reporting on the resignation of the most iconic coaching figure in U.S. hockey. Beth is well-known nationally as a master teacher, motivator and coach, She's respected (if not feared) by officials, players and coaches at the DI, II and III levels. She was able to attract top notch talent and develop less skilled athletes into All-Americans. Her work ethic is unbelieveable and she consistently demanded the same of her team. ODU and Hampton Roads have benefitted greatly from Beth's presence. Let's hope she stays in the area. She still has a lot to give. Great job, Coach.
Wow! Beth Anders did a lot
Wow! Beth Anders did a lot for field hockey in the Tidewater area. She will be missed at ODU, but she does deserve to live her life without anything holding her back. No one will be able to fill her shoes. I hope the AD will be smart in his decision to find a new coach. GO MONARCHS!