When Pam Spuehler expressed interest in joining Ohio’s field hockey coaching staff, she did not have to submit a scented resumé or a batch of cookies addressed to coach Neil Macmillan to gain an advantage over her colleagues.
Her career accomplishments were enough to land her a spot on the sideline to help coach the 2011 Mid-American Conference champions.
After four years at Boston University, Spuehler played with top-level teams in Australia and Germany as well as the USA Field Hockey team.
Ohio could reap the benefits of its newest coach’s time overseas. Her diverse knowledge of the game and her understanding of the new tactics and skills taught on the international level might give the Bobcats an edge in 2012.
“I really want to use her knowledge of the modern game more than anything,” Macmillan said. “I think tactically she has a very good understanding of what we should be doing.”
Despite diverse approaches because of age, Spuehler said she does not believe her new ideas will contradict what Macmillan has taught.
“We both have different perspectives on things, and we can definitely have the best of both worlds,” she said.
Spuehler’s contributions do not stop with the clipboard and dry-erase marker. Much of her help has been hands-on.
“When we put her out to play in practice, we have someone who was just with the national team, and now she’s playing alongside everyone,” Macmillan said. “To have it day in, day out is the one biggest benefit to having her here.”
Macmillan is no stranger to working with national-caliber players. Ohio graduate Torrie Albini made the U.S. national team for the 2012 Olympics in London.
“I think that’s a great indication of the progress this program has made,” Macmillan said. “It’s good evidence of us doing the right thing at the moment.”
Spuehler and Albini are good friends and talked before Spuehler accepted the position at Ohio.
“She had only positive things to say,” Spuehler said. “I stepped foot on campus and fell in love.”
The team has responded well to Spuehler’s addition. As a forward, she has challenged the Bobcats’ defensive corps and has aided the forwards in developing new skills.
“They really like her. She has a fantastic personality,” said Macmillan. “She’s very personable with all of them and knows hockey at the highest level, so there is an instant respect.”
Ohio goalie Jen McGill said she has been personally affected by Spuehler’s on-field instruction.
“She came in with ideas that she had picked up from the way the national team coaches their goalies,” McGill said. “She’s given me some different ideas and different views.”
Because she has an especially hard and accurate shot, Spuehler often warms up the goalies before practice. The extra time against an elite player has prepared the players for games against top opponents.
Spuehler recalls having a similar opportunity during her time at Boston University.
“I remember when I was playing at (Boston), one of our coaches was on the national team and whenever you played against her you wanted to beat her even more,” Spuehler said. “I think it adds a competitive edge.”
Until the Bobcats return to action in the fall, the rivalries will remain on the practice field. The player with the whistle around her neck will be one to beat.
mm938910@ohiou.edu
