HAMDEN, Conn.  – The first and only field hockey head coach in Quinnipiac program history, Becca Main, has announced her retirement at the end of the 2023 spring season after 28 years at the helm of the program. A national search for Main's successor will begin shortly. 
 
 
"I am filled with gratitude and excitement as I announce my retirement from Quinnipiac University. There has not been a day in three decades that I didn't enjoy driving onto the Quinnipiac campus – thrilled at the prospect of teaching and learning in a higher education environment with brilliant athletes and coaches," Main said. "I have been challenged and elevated by my players, assistant coaches, and opposing coaches." 

"Quinnipiac is a magical community where I was able to cultivate a coaching career that afforded me the opportunity to work beside colleagues of such determination and passion," Main continued. "I am grateful to the athletic administration for their elevation of the coaches and student-athletes, specifically Greg Amodio, Sarah Fraser, Billy Mecca, and Jack McDonald."

"Congratulations to Becca on an incredible career leading the Quinnipiac field hockey program," Quinnipiac Director of Athletics Greg Amodio said. "Her impact on the entire athletic department cannot be overstated. She embodies all of the qualities you could hope for in a leader and it has been a privilege to work directly with her over the past eight years. Her legacy is not defined solely by the number of games she won, but by the positive impact she has had on the countless student-athletes she has mentored. I wish Becca all the best as she embarks on her next chapter."
 
Main's coaching career began in 1995 after she was named the first head coach of Quinnipiac's Division II field hockey and women's lacrosse teams. Main served as the women's lacrosse coach from 1995-2001, then again in 2002, where she led the team to 10 wins that season. 
 
Main departs the program at the end of the 2023 spring season after a big turnaround season, as she led the Bobcats to eight wins, the most in a season by the program since 2015 (9). The Bobcats notched two wins over ranked opponents, marking the first time in program history where that has happened in a single season. In the wins over No. 22 Maine and No. 24 Penn, the Bobcats shut out both opponents. Quinnipiac logged four shutouts on the season, marking the most by the team in a single season since 2013 (7). Main has accepted a full-time position, beginning this summer, with the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) as their Director of Coach Education & Member Services.

"This field hockey program is in a great place with eighteen of the most wonderful athletes spearheading the next decade," Main said. "They are poised to do some huge things and I know they will be the best advocates for the program as they enter a phase with a new coaching staff." 
 
Main retires as one of NCAA field hockey's legendary figures. Her accomplishments as a coach are extensive:

• 214 wins as a head coach ranks 47th in NCAA Div. I field hockey history
• 214 wins stands as the most by a Quinnipiac field hockey head coach
• Four-time Coach of the Year (2015 (MAAC); 1998, 2004 (NEC); 1997 (Northeast-10)
• Two-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Regular-Season Co-Champions (2013, 2015)
• 2013 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament Champions
• Three-time NCAA Field Hockey Tournament Participant (2001, 2003, 2013)

Student-athletes under her guidance have achieved amazing success during her tenure as head coach. Main has led Quinnipiac players to a number of accolades:

• 94 All-Conference Student-Athletes
• 27 NFHCA Mideast All-Region Selections
• 19 consecutive seasons earning NFHCA Division I National Academic Team Award (3.5+ Team GPA)
• Quinnipiac has had at least one player named NFHCA All-Region every season since the 1997 season

"It has been a pleasure working with Becca Main," Quinnipiac Deputy Director of Athletics & Senior Woman Administrator Sarah Fraser stated. "She was one of the first people I met on campus, and memorable from the first moment forward for her professionalism, love for Quinnipiac, and positive spirit.  Her energy is contagious and she was key in driving the culture at Quinnipiac that has led to so much success in the department over the years.  She has built our field hockey program into a national brand and will be sincerely missed."
 
"This is not the end of my time in the field hockey arena. It is the beginning of a new and wide-open road ahead and I look forward to embracing my next endeavor," Main said. "Any opportunity I have to return and impact this program will give me great pride as I watch from the other side of our gorgeous stadium. Thank you, Quinnipiac for providing the stage that kept me constantly growing, curious, and engaged."

A 1994 graduate of Penn State, Main was a four-year standout for the Lady Lions, earning Mideast Regional All-America status three times and leading the team to three Final Four appearances. The Big Ten Conference "Defensive Player of the Year" recipient in 1993, Main also earned NFHCA All-America honors in both her junior and senior campaigns. A standout student as well, she was a three-time Academic All-America selection as she earned a B.S. in health education and exercise science. 

After graduation, Main competed on the U.S. National Elite Team, traveling to San Diego, Holland, Argentina, and Ireland, where she was a reserve member of the squad that earned a bronze medal at the 1994 World Cup.

A native of Yardley, Pa., and Pennsbury High School - a three-sport athlete (field hockey, basketball, track) at Pennsbury, Main was inducted into the Pennsbury Athletic Hall of Fame in October of 2006 and the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Association in 2005. 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT BECCA MAIN

- "Becca has been the heartbeat and proud leader of Quinnipiac Field Hockey for over 25 years!  Her legacy as a coach lies in her passion for field hockey, her competitive spirit, and the class by which she paced the sidelines. Becca's Quinnipiac players competed the same way she did, fast-paced, fundamentally sound, and fiercely competitive. Her leadership with our coaches association, NFHCA, and the NCAA has been noticeable, consistent, and impactful. She will be celebrated as a coach who got things done, cared about her players, and was highly respected by her coaching peers! Thank you, Becca, for all that you have given collegiate field hockey and me personally. We could all, always count on you! Love you!"

Charlene Morett-Curtiss
Retired Penn State Head Field Hockey Coach 
Becca's Former Coach


- "Becca Main has a commitment to excellence that I cherish. She is a wonderful person and has done so much for the growth of Quinnipiac University."

Rand Pecknold
Head Men's Ice Hockey Coach - Quinnipiac University


- "First and foremost congratulations on your retirement! But more importantly, thank you. Thank you for recruiting me, and giving me the opportunity to play for you and coach next to you for 11 years. You were always someone I looked up to as a young adult and wanted to emulate as I grew up. My career and my best friends came from the experiences you provided me. You believed in me, guided me as a young professional, and were my ultimate role model. I have learned everything in the sport of field hockey from you and have continued to coach with all your love and support. You have created history, leaving a legacy, and are the ultimate definition of Quinnipiac Field Hockey. You have built this program from the ground up and all the athletes who have come through this program are better because of the experience and chance you gave each and every one of us. All my love and well wishes for your next adventure. You are a Brave/Bobcat for life."

Cheryl Canada (Torino) '06
Former Player - Quinnipiac Hall of Fame Member 
Former Quinnipiac Associate Head Coach


- "As a former player and now a collegiate coaching colleague for two decades, I have had the privilege of learning from Becca for the last 25 years. Her knowledge of the game, care for her student-athletes and desire to impact this game she loves have been incredible to watch. She has helped countless student-athletes in their pursuit of developing their best self while building a program from its inception. The visible growth of Quinnipiac Field Hockey is impressive to the eye, but what I respect most about Becca is her ability to bring authentic energy and passion to each of her 28 teams. She has always led by example. Her high standards and expectations for herself and her players have produced hundreds of loyal alums, who continue to remain proudly connected to the sport & the university, solely because of her. I have so much pride in watching her impact our sport through her important work with the NFHCA. She has served for over a decade as a leader within our sport helping our organization to thrive. I will forever be grateful for the guidance and mentorship she has given me. I know she will continue to impact our sport, but for now, I stand together with hundreds of alums to say thank you for this incredible chapter of Quinnipiac Field Hockey. We wish her the absolute best!"

Julie Ryan (Smith) '02 
Former Player - Quinnipiac Hall of Fame Member 
Head Field Hockey Coach - Babson College 


- "It has been a lot of fun working with Becca. She brings a lot of joy, experience and a willingness to share coaching ideas. Thanks to Becca, we have the privilege of leading this next chapter of the women's lacrosse program. We will certainly miss having her within our department."

Tanya Kotowicz 
Head Women's Lacrosse Coach - Quinnipiac University