Coaches Corner: Tracey Fuchs

10/29/2015 10:56:00 AM | Field Hockey

Field hockey head coach is helping Wildcats strive for third straight Big Ten title

In this edition of "Coaches Corner," Northwestern field hockey head coach Tracey Fuchs is in the spotlight. Often referred to as the Michael Jordan of field hockey, Fuchs has turned around the Wildcats' program as she has led the team to Big Ten championships each of the last two years. Learn more about the 2014 Big Ten Coach of the Year prior the Wildcats closing out their regular season at home against Penn State at 3 p.m. Friday.

What's your favorite thing about coaching at Northwestern?
"I love being around the other coaches and being able to pick their brains. We have such a great staff that is so supportive of one another. It helps make my job a bit easier. Also, the leadership that we have with (athletic director) Jim (Phillips) and (president) Morty (Schapiro). Northwestern does it right. As for the student-athletes…you can't get any better. They work hard in the classroom and on the field and right now I probably have one of the best groups that I've ever had since I've been in coaching."

Do you have any favorite places you like to go in the Evanston or Chicago areas in your free time?
"I like to golf in my free time. Also, any place that has good Italian food, I'm in. Trattoria D.O.C. is great. Bluestone is also a fan favorite. Chicago has so much to offer. The sailing center on campus is fun in August as well."

Did you play any other sports growing up and when did you decide that field hockey was the sport you wanted to focus on?
"I played basketball and softball. I actually got a few basketball recruiting letters, but I don't think my height helped me with that. I almost played both softball and field hockey in college, but I was on the Under-21 National Team so I decided to just focus on field hockey. I also played club ice hockey in college and hacked around the golf course."

You mentioned you played ice hockey. When exactly did you start playing and how often do you play now?
"I started when I played on the club team at UConn. We played all varsity teams like Harvard and Northeastern while we were just put together. I am on one team now and then sometimes I'll play in tournaments with some of the better teams. I'm getting older now so I have to cut back my skating, but it's a great way to stay in shape, be social and have fun with different people."

Does playing ice hockey help you fill that competitive side of you?
"It does, actually. There's nothing like playing competitive sport, though I would say I'm 1,000 percent less competitive than I used to be. I don't go in the corners anymore. I just let them have the puck and I'll go get them."

What has been a bigger challenge for you, playing or coaching?
"Definitely coaching. When you're playing, you have all the control and power. You can make a huge difference coaching, but there's nothing like being out on the field and being a player."

What was the toughest part about rebuilding the field hockey program here at Northwestern?
"It was a pretty easy transition. I came into a group of players who were very accepting and willing to change. That was huge. They trusted me right from the start. I just think changing the culture and making them believe that they could win and be successful. That doesn't happen overnight, but it was really nice when we finally turned the corner."

What's the most fulfilling part of your job?
"Just going out on the field everyday and seeing the players after they've been going to class or doing whatever they've been doing. It's great seeing them be successful. I think this group of seniors who have won two Big Ten championships and hopefully will vie for a third, seeing them have success is always the most rewarding part."