The Virginian-Pilot
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NORFOLK
Beth Anders, who retired this week after nearly 30 years as Old Dominion's field hockey coach, has had a change of heart and will return for one more season.
Anders, the winningest coach in NCAA field hockey history, has guided the Lady Monarchs to 546 victories and an NCAA-record nine national titles.
ODU announced her return in a release Friday morning.
"I have been very touched by all the calls and letters I have received from former and current players this week, as well as people throughout the field- hockey world and the ODU community," Anders said in the statement. "I also appreciate the support I have received from President John Broderick and Dr. (Wood) Selig, who have asked me to postpone my retirement."
Anders will retire after the 2012 season - her 30th - and then serve as a consultant to the program until June 2013.
ODU next season returns 14 players from a 22-3 team, and will host the NCAA semifinals and finals in 2012 and 2013.
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Great News!
I look forward to going to more games next fall. Watching the ODU field hockey team compete and beat some of the best teams in the country is so exciting for our area!
One more year
It's so great to know that Beth Anders will be around for one more year!!!! So great for ODU!! But knowing that the retirement is still there, just postponed, it's still hard for the field hockey community. Here's to getting that 10th title! GO MONARCHS!!
Ander's change of heart
Whatever the reason, this is great news for the ODU field hockey program. Welcome back, Beth. Feels like you never left.
Welcome
back Coach Anders! this is great news for ODU!
Great News!
This is great news. It was so disheartening to read that she was retiring after such a successful year this year. My daughter is a high school FH player and we went to several ODU games this year and really enjoyed watching at the college level. Coach Anders is by far one of the best coaches I have ever watched. Thanks for sticking around Coach, can't wait to see what next season brings for ODU!!
Happy to see her return!
Coach Anders has developed ODU into a field hockey powerhouse. The team had a great season, making the Final Four, and should be one of next season's favorites. It would be great to see Coach Anders finish her career with another national title. Go Big Blue!
This is a great decision by
This is a great decision by all involved. She will not be allowed to retire quietly! She needs to be recognized and honored. It will give former players the opportunity to come back and see her. I am glad she will still be involved with the ODU program in years to come.