Field Hockey Head Coach Zoe Almquist on Why Give, Why Now

Can you share an example of one or two ways philanthropic support has made your program stronger recently?
In the spring of 2023, philanthropic support from the Davidson Field Hockey family sent us on a two-week, life-changing adventure to South Africa. The trip was an educational, cultural, eye-opening, boundary pushing, amazingly fun time playing in and around Cape Town. I can draw a direct line between this experience and the fall 2023 season where we had the most wins since 2015, scored a prolific 39 goals and kept all but three of our losses to within one goal.

What are some key ways you see your program advancing in the next 1, 2, 5 years?

My love for field hockey at Davidson is off the charts. Being on the team gave me opportunities that I would never have had at another school. The reputation of Davidson and the field hockey program extends into the world — the goodwill that came from my field hockey experience has helped me succeed in my career and in my life. Now, these players are working harder than ever. They're so gifted, athletically and academically, and I choose to keep supporting the program because of the ways I see the team continue to excel. It's important to me to give consistently and be able to see a concrete impact over time. Watching the program grow has been so rewarding.
~ Erin Smith Jewett '98

As much as I wish I had a crystal ball, I don't. This program certainly has goals, but we know the timing of when we achieve those things (more A-10 wins, the A-10 tournament, an A-10 title) are not explicitly within our control. We can, however, control staying true to our values. Davidson Field Hockey values the team and the distinct and diverse individuals who make it up. We value showing up as the best versions of ourselves every day while always striving to grow and get better. We value choosing joy, giving trust and having the confidence to know that when we fail, we will get back up. These values — the foundation of our culture — are the most important aspects of our program. They translate into specific actions we can always align around, whether 1, 2, 5 or 20 years from now.

What do you see in our scholar-athletes every day that makes an investment in them worthwhile?
Our scholar-athletes at their best are nothing short of extraordinary. They are conscientious, smart, driven, disciplined, caring, courageous, astute, inspiring, joyful, competitive, giving and funny. Field hockey graduates stand poised to make an impact across a wide range of industries and interests. Four years with the field hockey program helps them develop the life skills and intangible qualities that prepare our scholar-athletes for lifelong leadership and service. Therefore, I believe investing in a field hockey scholar-athlete is an easy choice. They deserve as many tools and as much support as possible to help them become the spectacular women and leaders they are meant to be. Your gifts can help them access their full potential.

What are you most excited about when you think about the future of your program?
Things that excite me the most: The first day of preseason, the pride of seeing an athlete work at something new in training, laughter on a long road trip, tailgates and togetherness, a signature win to build momentum and a return to the A-10 Championships.

"Athletics Done Right:" What does that mean to you?

It means uncompromising standards in athletics, academics and for our community and knowing we can excel in all those areas if we are willing to work hard and work together. Our goal is to prepare our scholar-athletes for life after college and to strive for on-field wins along the way. I can say with pride that Davidson Field Hockey has something special going, and we accomplish it without cutting any corners.

You can make a gift, supporting any of our 21 Division I programs, at this link.

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