DELMAR, MD – We are starting a new WBOC web series called "Interview of the Week." Each week I will interview a local sports figure on Delmarva. Today, we go to ‘Cat Country to find out a little more about Delmar field hockey head coach Jodi Hollamon.
The 38-year-old is a big face in the field hockey community. She was a star at Pocomoke high school and then went on to a successful field hockey career at the University of Delaware.
Over the course of the last 15 years, Hollamon has coached at three different high schools. Mardela, Parkside and now Delmar. In 2005, she won a 2A State Championship with the Rams. She has also guided the Wildcats to three straight appearances in the State Title Game in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
1. Why do you enjoy coaching so much?
Genetics! I grew up watching my family coach. I was around sports everyday of my childhood on the field and in the gym I learned what is was to be a great coach by watching my dad, aunt and uncle demand the best from their athletes. Now, I have surrounded myself with family and coaches that support me in doing what I love ,coaching field hockey.
2. You have built a powerhouse at Delmar. How were you able to do this in such a short period of time?
I continued a tradition that was already established, added to that by encouraging my players to get better in the off season thru playing more hockey and conditioning throughout the summer. I have a passion for the game that I have tried to instill in my players. Winning is contagious and if my players want to win, then they will do what it takes to do just that. That’s what makes a powerhouse.
3. That state championship seems to be eluding you. You have been so close for so many years. How have those state title game losses motivated you and made you a better coach?
There are a enough second place trophies in the Hollamon house. That is motivation! Then I walk into school everyday, look up in the gym, and hope to one day be able to raise a State Championship banner at Delmar. But, regardless of State Championship losses, each day I strive to be a better coach. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t.
4. What are some of your fondest memories leading the Delmar field hockey program?
I remember leaving to play for the State Championship in 2011, 2012, & 2013 with fans waiting as our bus rode by at the Rt 13 intersection, holding up a sign saying "last one out of town…turn out the lights". And then one of the smallest towns in the state filled the bleachers with orange & blue to support us with such pride! How proud I have been each year as I have stood and taken pictures with my players & their families who committed to play college field hockey.
5. You’ve coached a lot of players during your career. Who stands out? Who has made the biggest impact on your life?
All of my players have made an impact in my life one way or another. I have learned lessons from many of them who have inspired me to be a better coach, taught me to continue to instill discipline in my players and keep the passion I have for the game of hockey.
6. A new high school field hockey season has arrived, what are your expectations for this years Delmar team?
Each year I have high expectations for my team and they know that from the beginning. Regardless of age, experience, what players we lost the year before, we want to play as a team and WIN and that is no different this year. If this team strives to play as a unit and understand each of their roles on our TEAM, we could be very successful.
7. Going into this year’s field hockey season has a different feel to it. You lost your Aunt Susie (Susan Pusey, Pocomoke Field Hockey coach) back in July. She taught you this game, I have to imagine it’s got to be emotional coaching on the sidelines knowing she’s watching over you.
Losing Aunt Susie has been very difficult, I know she would want me to coach this season just like any other, but in the back of my mind I often think about her and reflect on all of the things former players said about her when she passed. I hope that when my players walk away from the Delmar Field Hockey program, they would say the same things about me —and if they do—-then I am doing something right!
I now truly have a Field Hockey God watching over me.
