Karl making changes as new field hockey head coach

Jim Swing
Sports Editor
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On the side of Shannon Karl’s desk sits her laptop and constantly buzzing cell phone. To the right lies a stack of stiffly thought out applications that carry a heavy significance.

Karl, in her first year as head coach of the VCU field hockey team, has implemented a new process when it comes to choosing captains.

First, players must fill out the application, which lists grade point average, people they look up to, and goals among many other criteria. Then they must sit in front of an eight-person committee explaining why they are fit for the role, with a video camera recording in front of them.

This among many techniques goes along with the changes Karl has made since the departure of former head coach Kelly McQuade, who stepped down unexpectedly last November. Karl, who admits she’s not a morning person, has also instrumented early practice times before the crack of dawn.

“We’re moving in a new and fresh direction where we kind of promote the term ‘Action,’” Karl said. “Where we don’t talk about it anymore, we do it.”

Lacking pure leadership last season, the field hockey team suffered a 5-13 season, and won just two games in the CAA, failing to qualify for the conference tournament. Associate Head Coach Laura Baker, who returns to VCU after formerly coaching and playing for the school, said the team is headed back in the right direction.

“One of the biggest things I’ve noticed change is that we have a focus and a idea of where we’re going now,” she said.

In 2010 the Rams revived a once dormant program by recording the team’s second winning season since 1993 and reached the CAA Tournament for the first time since 2003. They were led by a pair of Dutch seniors, Marle and Flore van Dessel, who combined for 41 goals and 112 points in their four years of eligibility. One year following a setback season in 2011, Karl and company are seeking the same kind of leadership.

“I think it’s a difference in terms of the girls buying in,” Baker said. “The biggest one obviously is more control and organization.”

Setting out on the recruiting trail is nothing new for Karl and Baker, who’ve accounted for nearly all of the recruiting load in years past. Karl’s staff has penned four incoming recruits for 2012 and is on the hunt for 2013. Athletic Director Norwood Teague approved a trip for Karl and Baker to travel to recruit overseas in a couple of months for the first time in the program’s history. All prior recruiting had been done in the United States or through a recruiting service.

“When you’re a non-revenue making sport like field hockey, to have such backing from your athletic director and your senior woman administrator and associate athletic director it really makes you feel like you have purpose,” Karl said. “And you want to fight for them and they want to fight for you and that’s a special feeling.”

Karl admits she has a lot to learn as the head of the program. And recovering from a less than stellar season will be no easy task. But just over three months on the job, she’s up for the challenge.

“I’ve always wanted to be a head coach,” Karl said. “I’m really excited to be here I can’t think of a better place to be.”