THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 25, 1996 TAG: 9609240147
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: 84 lines
LAUREL MARTIN'S field hockey career has come full circle.
After working her way up the ranks to the sport's elite, the U.S. Olympic team member has returned to the high school level as the new coach of the Cape Henry Collegiate Dolphins.
Like many before her, she felt a need to give back to the sport once her playing career had ended.
``At first, it was a difficult decision to take the position or not,'' Martin said. ``We were coming off a discouraging performance in the Olympics and I wasn't sure whether or not I wanted to be around the sport or not.
``But so far, this has been very good to me.''
That Martin even made it to the Olympics was remarkable. In the year proceeding The Games, Martin suffered a heel injury from a car accident and gave birth to daughter Kali. Where, and how, she found the time and ability to train, was beyond most.
``We had the people to medal,'' Martin said. ``But we didn't perform and finished fifth. That's tough to take when you know you can do better.
``But I'm done. I'm retired. Hockey has taken me all over the world the last six years and it's time to move on.''
Learning how to deal with the Olympic disappointment, retiring and the many other experiences she's had throughout her career should provide a lot of lessons for the Cape Henry varsity.
So far, her players are getting the messages.
``She sure brings a lot of experience to the team,'' said forward Kelly Bradley. ``She's good at teaching us the correct way to do the little things that seem to make a big difference. We do a lot of one-on-ones with her and it's made us better players.''
And it's shown on the playing field, as Cape Henry was 4-2-3 going into Tuesday's game against Northampton.
But the players aren't the only ones benefiting from the union. Martin is getting plenty out of it, too.
``This is a whole different world that what I've been used to lately,'' said Martin, who played high school field hockey in Hummelstown, Pa., and collegiately at the University of North Carolina. ``This is a lot of fun so far and it's very refreshing for me.''
And while she is the one dishing out challenges to her players, Martin has had a few she's had to deal with.
``It's very challenging for me to stay intense, but not overdo it. It's very important for this to be fun. It's just a sport. I want it to be fun for them and for myself. People forget all about that when they reach higher levels.
``So seeing these girls have fun and having some myself is really great.''
Some of the players weren't so sure it would be that way. Like forward Maggie McCaa.
``I thought it was going to be really hard,'' she said. ``I thought it would be like being with the national team and running for hours and drills all the time.
``But it's not like that.''
In fact, Martin appears to be just another team member during games - joking around with her players and cheering their play.
``We can all talk to her personally,'' said keeper Makenzie Snyder. ``We can talk to her about anything. It's like she's more our friend than a coach.
``She's just an all-around great person who happens to coach our team.''
Last week against Hampton Roads Academy, the Dolphins were on the offensive and were getting several opportunities to score. Martin was jumping up and down on the sidelines the entire time.
``Oh man,'' she said. ``You get 50 shots and nothing goes in, it's enough to drive you crazy. But hey, that's the sport.
``Besides, they're playing much better and I'm real happy with their progress.''
And happy with her own as well.
Martin found out about the position from athletic trainer Lisa Jesberg - a local trainer who worked the field hockey venue at the Olympics. Jesberg had a patient with ties to Cape Henry who had brought up the vacancy.
``So I contacted the school and got the job,'' Martin said.
Martin doesn't teach at Cape Henry and is currently working as a part-time personal trainer and full-time mom. She wants some day to get into the sports broadcasting field to use her radio, television and motion picture degree.
``I think it would still be just part time stuff I'm interested in, because I want to be there for Kali as much as possible.''
And right now, for the players on the Cape Henry field hockey team. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by LEE TOLLIVER
U.S. Olympic team member Laurel Martin has returned to the high
school level as the new coach of the Cape Henry Collegiate Dolphins.
KEYWORDS: FIELD HOCKEY by CNB