Oak Hill field hockey coach Betsy Gilbert is no wallflower. Once the opening whistle blows she’s up on her feet, encouraging her players and getting as close to the action as she can without a stick in her hands.

“She’s very energetic,” senior Lexi Fuller said. “She’s always moving. I’ve never seen any other coaches who get that excited.”

Gilbert’s excitement rubs off on her players, who for the second year in a row reached the Class C state championship game. After losing 2-0 to Maine Central Institute a year ago, the Raiders returned the favor this fall, beating MCI 2-0 for their first-ever state title.

For her efforts, Gilbert is Kennebec Journal Field Hockey Coach of the Year. Gardiner coach Sharon Gallant and Winthrop coach Jess Merrill were also considered.

Now in her fourth year as head coach, Gilbert has a total of 11 years at the Wales school, interrupted by a two-year hiatus. She played field hockey for the Raiders under coach Helen Sherman, whom she calls her greatest coaching influence.

“She poured so much into me,” Gilbert said. “I’m proud of our heritage.”

Gilbert acknowledges her style is passionate and intense and uses it to bolster her players.

“I want them to believe in themselves and take on a task,” she said. “To build great character and leadership. Sportsmanship to me is No. 1.”

The Raiders finished 13-1 in the Mountain Valley Conference while MCI went 12-2 in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference with a schedule comprised mostly of Class B schools. With 10 players returning from its state title team, the Huskies were a clear favorite to repeat.

This meant little to Gilbert and the Raiders .

“Our motto this year was all or nothing,” senior Lexi Fuller said. “She said ‘you guys are not going to lose, I know you’re not.'”

On the most important day of the season, the Raiders were at their best.

“They just knew they could win,” Gilbert said. “That was No. 1. Our girls were just laser focused. They were at their best that day.”

The Raiders graduate six seniors but the program remains very strong, Gilbert said. Her passion and excitement for the game won’t allow them to slide.

“I love the game,” Gilbert said. “To be able to give back is what’s important to me.”