Meet Jade! Jade, from Middletown, New Jersey, has been a lifelong athlete. Field hockey and athletics has played a significant role in her life.
During her time at Middletown North High School, Jade not only played field hockey but also ran track. She excelled in both sports, earning varsity letters in field hockey and track for three consecutive years. In her field hockey career, she played on the Quik Stix Elite travel team, where she competed all over the United States. Jade played a crucial role in leading her field hockey team to win their Division three years in a row, even securing a State Championship in 2006! Additionally, she showcased her talent as a Javelin thrower on the track team. In both sports, she held leadership roles, including captain of the field hockey team.
Jade’s passion for field hockey continued into college. She attended Stockton University to study Biology and Education. Throughout her four years there, she was a dedicated member of the field hockey team, earning recognition as a Scholar Athlete and serving as captain during her senior year.
After college, Jade wasn’t ready to leave behind her passion for fitness and sports. Alongside her role as a biology teacher at Colts Neck High School (Go Cougars!), she took on the position of head varsity field hockey coach. Despite never having played the sport, Jade also assumed the role of JV girls lacrosse coach and strives to be a good role model for them as she also learns the sport. She’s also had roles coaching middle school track! Additionally, she remains an avid athlete at Fitness By the Sea in Avon, NJ, continuing to embrace and cultivate her competitive spirit. Through sports, Jade’s life has been positively impacted, fostering leadership, discipline, and a lifelong love for athletics. Read more about Jade!
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
Growing up I played softball and basketball. It was in middle school that I was introduced to field hockey. High school I was introduced to track and field.
Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?
I had never played field hockey before but my gym teacher asked me to try out! I’m so glad she did because it changed my life!
Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?
I always looked up to David Wright. I know that has nothing to do with field hockey and it is a male baseball player.. but David Wright always carried himself with grace and had this fierceness yet fairness about him. Something I try to do with the players I coach today.
Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?
My most favorite memory I can think of is something recent. We played Ocean Township in field hockey this year and they beat us EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. This year, my first year as varsity head coach, we finally beat them. It wasn’t for a division title or shore conference title.. it was for US. I’ll never forget the feeling I had at the end of that game seeing the faces of my players light up realizing that we finally beat this team.
Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?
Sports have brought me my closest friends. It has taught me discipline and hard work. It has challenged me physically and mentally, showing me that I can overcome more than I realize and that I am capable of more than I realize. It has allowed me to see the country – traveling for field hockey in high school and college.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?
My advice would be to remember how lucky you are to step out on that field, court or pitch. Not everyone has the same physical abilities or opportunities that you do. So even when you’re dreading practice or the timed run or whatever it is.. be thankful that your body CAN do these things.
Coach Rachel 