Two sports, Same Goal for MacDonald

Westfield High School field hockey and softball head coach Caitlin MacDonald focuses on teaching her students life skills that can be applied beyond sports, because those were most influential to her as a Blue Devil.

MacDonald went to WHS from 1998 to 2002, playing field hockey in the fall and softball in the spring. Even though the physical aspect of the two sports is vastly different, the goals and values she took from them are the same.

"Through my coaches and teammates I learned how to work in groups, how to win and lose graciously, how to work hard, and how to build relationships," she said. "Participating in athletics is about more than just fielding ground balls, shooting baskets and scoring goals. It's learning about yourself and becoming a more well-rounded person."

MacDonald did not play either sport in college, but instead returned to Westfield her junior year to begin coaching softball. She knew early on that she wanted to be a coach.

"I was inspired by my love of athletics and my desire to teach young women how to be skilled competitors," MacDonald said. "I also have been blessed with great coaches in my past along with parents I look up to who coach high school sports."

MacDonald spent four years as an assistant for the varsity softball team before becoming the head coach last year. She was also an assistant for varsity field hockey in 2007 and 2008, and just completed her first year as head coach.

As MacDonald continues to coach, she learns more about how to work with her student athletes. While there are times of frustration when she wishes she could return to the field to help her players, the overall experience on the sidelines gives her a better perspective of the game and the big picture. At the end of the day, it's all about supplying the same skills MacDonald received as an athlete herself.

"I hope the girls walk away with some very important life skills like time management, positive communication skills, how to be a good teammate, and becoming a tougher competitor," she said.

Aside from coaching at the high school, MacDonald also works with summer travel teams and softball and field hockey camps.

"I always enjoy coaching summer sports," she said.

Now in her fifth year at WHS, MacDonald looks forward to continuing her work both as a coach and English teacher for her alma mater.

Editor's Note: This is part of an on-going series on Westfield High School alumni who are now coaches in Westfield.