University of Delaware Athletics
UD Assistant Coach and Alumni Participate in Maria Whitehead Memorial Tournament
8/13/2013 7:07:00 PM | Field Hockey
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – This past Saturday, five athletes with ties to the University of Delaware field hockey squad supported one of their own as they competed in the Maria Whitehead Memorial Tournament.
Alumni Cassie Grossman (2011), Amanda McCardell (2012), Emily Ortega (2008) and Missy Woodie (2012), along with current assistant coach Lynn Farquhar, participated in the tournament, with proceeds going to the Maria Whitehead Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is committed to celebrating Whitehead's life and love of field hockey by providing awards to the United States Field Hockey Association National Team members and candidates.
“It's always exciting to see alumni share their passion for the sport of field hockey,” commented Farquhar. “These ladies were a proud representation of our program and contributed to a fantastic cause.”
The quartet of alumni finished in second place after earning a spot in the tournament finals at Temple University's Geasey Field.
“It is always great getting back together with old teammates to play, laugh and reminisce,” Woodie remarked. “This tournament was different than most as it was a wonderful opportunity to honor Maria and hear her amazing story. It definitely puts things into perspective. We all share a love for this game and it was this game that brought us all together and create life-long friendships.”
Whitehead was a standout athlete at West Chester East High School and a member of the Wake Forest University Field Hockey squad from 1999-2002, where she was a part of the Deacons' first national championship team in 2002. She had vast experience with international field hockey, playing and coaching as a part of several U.S. Field Hockey National teams.
Following graduation, Whitehead coached at St. Louis University and was named the Atlantic-10 Coach of the Year in 2005.
On November 1, 2006, Whitehead lost her battle with skin cancer at the tender age of 25.
“Being able to participate in this tournament this past weekend was a great way to connect back to the field hockey community,” McCardell stated. “It is always nice to support a great cause, but to see and play with former teammates made the experience that much richer. Not only were we able to reconnect with former teammates, but we met so many wonderful players that we played against when we were at Delaware. It is incredible how much fun you can have with former rivals. I am happy to have been a part of such a great tournament and already cannot wait until next year.”
