Meet the FHOCers

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SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Nov. 9, 2009) - In a time when intercollegiate athletics is often criticized as being separate or auxiliary to the mission of higher education, Mount Holyoke has embraced athletics as another learning laboratory on campus. The national championship provides the opportunity for students who are athletes and for those who are not to test their leadership skills in a real world environment.

Who are the FHOCers?
The Field Hockey Organizing Committee (FHOCers) is a group of Mount Holyoke College students who have volunteered to participate in the planning and execution of the NCAA Field Hockey National Championship. This group of eighteen women has been meeting regularly since spring 2009. The group includes students who are varsity athletes and those who are not. Each of the FHOCers oversees her own project team that she was expected to assemble and lead.

Chair, FHOC: JJ Archibald
Vice Chair, FHOC: Kiki Boyles
Alumnae Relations: Brigitte Buehler
Campus and Community Outreach: Tricia Chase and Maddy Starbranch
Champions Dinner: Rachel Kurzweil
Community Service: Miki Yoshida and Carol Still
Game Environment: Kristen Cody
Team Hospitality: Laurian Lue Yen
NCAA Committee Hospitality: Stephanie Swafford
Locker Rooms: Tiffany Shute
NFHCA All-Star Game and Luncheon: Taylor Hedges
Volunteers: Lebo Phoofolo
Team Ambassadors: Katie Frick, Terry Orr, Mary Kate Switchenko, Peggy Wefald

Mount Holyoke's Unique Approach to the Championship Organization
Mount Holyoke has approached the planning for the NCAA national championship in a way that is consistent with the expectations of a liberal arts institution. The College views this championship as a leadership practicum for its students. Under the guidance of administrative and faculty mentors, students have been engaged in the strategic planning, budgeting, management, and leadership aspects of hosting a national event.

A Championship for Students Organized by Students
Mount Holyoke's approach to the planning of the field hockey national championship values the direct input of students. From the bid process through the final evaluation of the event, students have and will play a critical role. For example, students had the opportunity to visit potential hotel sites and provided input on which hotels would offer a more welcoming and comfortable environment. From the creation of warm-up mixes to the choice of pregame meals, the students have provided their expertise in making the championship one that is student-friendly.

Campus and Community Outreach
The FHOCers have engaged a diverse group of students from across campus to assist in the execution of the championship plans. An unprecedented number of students have been involved on the FHOCers’ project teams and will play various roles as volunteers throughout the weekend event. Student organizations and athletics teams are working together to make the championship experience for all involved one that is exceptional.

Early in the planning stages, representatives of various constituent groups such as high school coaches, community organizers, physical education instructors, and political leaders were identified as being important stakeholders in the success of the championship. They were consulted on how their constituents might be approached in order to embrace this championship as their own. This reinforces the importance of building alliances in order to develop robust networks of resources and support.

What are the FHOCers Saying?

“When the planning process began last spring, I was unbelievably excited to have the opportunity to work on such a huge, national event. However, I had not even begun to really imagine what working on the championship would mean for me. To summarize, this championship has helped me to hone all of the skills, from marketing to budget planning, that cannot be taught in any classroom but are necessary to compete in today's job market. This experience has brought my Mount Holyoke education full circle in helping to bridge that gap between the collegiate classroom and the outside world. I know Mary Lyon would have been very pleased.”
--Kiki Boyles

“I feel extremely honored to be a part of the planning for a national championship. Having attended one myself I know what a life-changing experience is, and the fact that I am able to participate in making it a once in a lifetime experience for someone else is incredible.”
--Tiffany Shute

“I’m not entering into the sports arena, but in terms of the skills I’m learning right now-event planning and event management-I know those will transfer into skills I can use after graduation.”
--Lebo Phoofolo

“Through the FHOC I am taking responsibility, making decisions, taking initiative and voicing my own opinion on what I think would make this the best championship ever. Being directly involved allows me to have a voice in decisions that also speaks for the student body of Mount Holyoke.”
--Taylor Hedges

"Having been a part of many other event planning committees, I've found that working with FHOC has allowed me to take my previous skills to a new level. I've learned that nothing is as easy as it seems and sometimes you just have to keep going back to the drawing board until everything falls into place. Being a part of the planning of a national championship is a great honor and one that not many students or athletes get to experience while in college. I am grateful for the connections and friends that I have made as well as for the chance to expand on my leadership skills throughout the planning of the championship."
--Stephanie Swafford

“Before FHOC, I knew nothing about field hockey. Now, I think it's one of the best sports ever. FHOC has given me the opportunity to build my relationships with other student-athletes and members in the athletics community. Planning a national championship is a great deal of work and I no longer take for granted how much time and effort is put into organizing a national championship. I have learnt so many skills, including creating budgets and timelines, communicating with other people, that I can now translate to my future career.”
--Laurian Lue Yen

“I have been able to work one on one with the administrators in the athletic department as well as other departments on campus. I have gained real world knowledge on how to problem solve effectively and quickly. The skills and connections that emerged from this championship will be invaluable to all of those involved for years to come.”
--JJ Archibald

“Through FHOC I have gained insight into how much time and energy is required to create a championship experience. There are several different facets which each member of the committee is attending to in order for the athletes coming November 20th to feel the weight of their accomplishments. I've enjoyed working with a team of individuals who each have innovative ideas and a tremendous work ethic. It's been amazing to witness the progress that's taken place over the last ten months. I'm grateful that the faculty in our Athletics Department for incorporating students in this planning process.”
--Kristen Cody

“Through FHOC I am learning to plan, organize, and coordinate a complex event. I am also learning how to communicate with others, negotiate prices, and work within a specific framework, as well as delegating authority. Being part of planning the national championship has meant so much to me. I am so proud of Mount Holyoke for taking this on, and I am happy to see that the entire campus is excited about it. This is a huge honor, and I am happy to be a part of it.”
--Rachel Kurzweil

"Athletics have always been a huge part of my life, they have given me so much, and I am honored and proud to now be able to give something back through planning this national championship. Being a part of the committee planning this national championship has made me realize there is so much more work that goes into these than many people will realize. Despite that, you see that it'll all be worth it because, as an athlete myself, I know what this championship means to those who play the sport. It’s all for the athletes. They put in a lot of work to get to this championship, too."
--Tricia Chase

“The NCAA championship brings all the of the MHC communities together-the present and past. From all over, alumnae are sending emails of excitement and enthusiasm about the championships. Working with the alumnae has connected me to the past through their stories. In addition, working with the alumnae has created more networks for the MHC community and me.”
--Brigitte Buehler