Manson’s CAA experience helps Dukes’ field hockey program

As a freshman, current JMU field hockey assistant coach Kristen Manson participated in JMU’S 1995 upset over the 11-time Colonial Athletic Association champion Old Dominion University Monarchs.

Now, Manson brings her experience and talents back onto the field in hopes of repeating history by taking the Dukes back to the top of the CAA.

The 1995 season became the "missing year" for the Monarchs. They were crowned CAA champions every year from 1991 through 2002, with the exception of JMU’S ’95 title.

"Coming into the [’95 ODU] game, we were the favorite," Manson said. "We kind of expected we would win. [Coach Christy Morgan] made us believe there’s always a way to win, you just have to dig down deep and find it in yourself."

Manson continues to refer to the moral Morgan taught her.

"It starts with believing in yourself and believing in your teammates," Manson said.

The Dukes face Old Dominion once again on Oct. 22. In the meantime, coach Antoinette Lucas said they have been making the most of every practice to better their skills and mentally prepare.

"Every day is critical for us to get that much better at our fundamental record," Lucas said. "We will be prepared. I think every day will help."

As with any opponent, the team visualizes the game as a way to prove themselves.

"I think it’s always a great challenge playing them," Manson said. "In order to be the best you have to play the best."

"[ODU coach Beth Anders] definitely runs a great program. They’re very structured in their play; each position on the field has something to do, you just try to get them out of that structure."

The girls don’t seem to have trouble playing for an assistant coach who participated in one of the most historical events in JMU field hockey history.

"I always want to work hard for the coaches," redshirt senior forward Alyssa Santanna said. "You don’t want to let the team down, but you don’t want to let the coaches down either."

Sophomore midfielder Baillie Versfeld said having support from coaches also is important.

"There’s no added pressure, but it is always nice to perform for someone," Versfeld said. "Having someone who believes in you, I think, helps a lot."

With her history of playing, Manson brings encouragement to the Dukes.

"It’s inspiring just knowing that she was part of a team that laid it all out and got it done," Santanna said. "Now she’s back and our team has the potential to do it again."

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