The ultimate measuring stick among Class A North field hockey teams is how well you play against Messalonskee and Skowhegan.

Cony came away with mixed results against those teams this season but that doesn’t mean the Rams aren’t making progress.

Coach Holly Daigle discovered that early this fall when her Rams followed a 1-0 loss to Messalonskee in the season opener with a victory at Mt. Blue.

“We hadn’t beaten Mt. Blue in quite awhile,” Daigle said.

Cony went on to finish the regular season 10-4 despite some crippling injuries, including the loss of its starting goalie for the year after four games.

“This is the best season we’ve had in four years,” Daigle said.

Advertisement

For her efforts, Daigle has been selected Kennebec Journal Field Hockey Coach of the Year. Gardiner’s Sharon Gallant and Oak Hill’s Betsy Gilbert were also considered.

The Rams went on to win a playoff game before falling to eventual state champion Skowhegan. With three seniors graduating and a strong group of middle schoolers entering high school next season, the future looks promising.

Daigle deflects the credit for the team’s success toward her players, saying “it was the most unselfish group of girls who cared just about the team. Seeing that every day is what I love about being a coach.”

Daigle certainly had a hand in fostering that attitude.

“She’s been in a high school player’s shoes before,” junior Delaney Keithley said. “She knows how to reach a teenage girl.”

Daigle played field hockey at Cony under Carolyn Neighoff and basketball for current athletic director Paul Vachon. She later served as an assistant field hockey coach for Krista Chase, now at Mt. Ararat, and remains in contact with her.

Advertisement

“I learned so much from her,” Daigle said. “To this day she and I talk field hockey. I’m really thankful what she’s done for me.”

When it comes to coaching situations she has Vachon to turn to. “I go to him for advice,” Daigle said.

Keithley said Daigle maintains a good balance as a teacher and motivator.

“She knows how to be assertive without being upfront,” she said. “She is the most encouraging coach. She’s always there for you and it’s reflected on the field and off.”

Daigle is excited about next season and the possibility of breaking through against the top echelon, but she hasn’t quite put this year behind her.

“I just had so much fun with this team this year,” she said. “When you get to do something you love, every year it makes me a little bit better coach.”


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.