For proving that the definition of winning can take on many forms, Saint Francis girls field hockey coach Kathy Lincoln was recently granted the Model Coach Award for the 2007-08 school year.
“It’s very flattering. But I think the award is a reflection of our program, school and especially the kids. Without great kids, I couldn’t do what I do,” said Lincoln.
The award, bestowed by the California Interscholastic Federation, is given to coaches who have served as positive role models and who pursue victory with honor, said Marie M. Ishida, CIF executive director.
Lincoln, who has worked at Saint Francis for 21 years as both a coach and teacher, started the girls field hockey program 10 years ago. She has also coached tennis, softball and boys and girls volleyball, and as a teacher she initiated the school’s exercise science class.
This year’s season was one of the best for field hockey, she said, with 19 wins, zero losses and two tied games.
“I always try to tell them, you have to do things right and for the right reason. What’s important is that we create good citizens,” she said.
Saint Francis Athletic Director Michael Pilawski said Lincoln’s strength is keeping the emphasis on the experience, rather than the score.
“She doesn’t define a successful season by what the scoreboard says. She never loses sight of what’s truly important. … She’s a great teacher of life skills,” he said.
E-mail Alexa Tondreau at atondreau@mv-voice.com
