Molly Hesterberg took on a tough assignment in 2008. She coached Hood College's women's lacrosse team in their inaugural season in the Capital Athletic Conference. Her Blazers won four games, lost 12 and went 0-7 in the daunting CAC. Along the way, she garnered the praise of more than a few opposing coaches who think she's on her way to leading Hood to a successful future.
Hesterberg is no stranger to success and hard work. She was a four-year starting defender and two-time captain at Western Connecticut State, winning four straight Little East Conference tournaments before graduating in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in justice and law administration. She went right into coaching and teaching, leading the Mercy High School lacrosse team in Middletown, Conn., working as a substitute teacher and tutor for Windsor Public School, as a youth worker for Plainville Group Home and volunteering as a coach in the Special Olympics while earning a master's degree in criminal justice at American International College.
After moving to Baltimore, she served as a juvenile caseworker for the Choice Program and worked as a forensic service coordinator for the developmentally disabled at Service Coordination, Inc. She is engaged to be married to Marvin Evans in October and lives in Parkville.
Editor's note: This Q&A was conducted before the season. Since then, Hood recorded its first-ever CAC win, a 14-13 victory over Wesley. In its second game of the year, Hood fell to No. 3 Salisbury, 21-0.
How is the preseason progressing?
Molly Hesterberg: Much better than last year. We have some real good talented athletes. Last year we only had 13 girls and we're facing the toughest conference in the nation. We have built our program since last year and every year we can only get better. This preseason we are getting in much better shape and are getting stronger!
Give us a preview of your probable starting personnel for 2009.
Molly Hesterberg: On offense, our best players are Kelsey Blackwell, Jen Graham and Britney Colandreo. At midfield, we'll feature Brandy Noel, Kati Vu, Lauren Perzan, Maria Moss and Sarah Balukoff. Our defense is led by Julia Banks, Jayme Frost and Abby Dyjack. In goal, it's still a toss up! We have two goalies fighting for a starting spot.
How will the personality of the 2009 team differ from the 2008 squad?
Molly Hesterberg: Fortunately, we only lost two players last year -- a goalie and a field player. We pretty much have our whole squad back with [an] additional six recruits. We are stronger then last year, and like I've stated, we are building [a program]. We are a young team, mostly freshmen, sophomores and juniors. We have a lot of time left with these players and have room to improve each year. We just have to be patient.
Who are your captains and what are their strengths?
Molly Hesterberg: Brandy Noel, Britney Colandreo, Sarah Balukoff, and Lauren Perzan. They lead by example. They contribute both on and off the field. Brandy was our MVP last year and pushes the team on the field. Sarah, Lauren and Brit are new captains this year.
Are there any freshmen that will break into the lineup and impress us?
Molly Hesterberg: Kati Vu from Baltimore and Julia Banks from Francis Scott Key. Both [will be] huge contributors for us this year. Banks is a defender who is loud and sees the field well. She was all-conference in high school. Kati is a middie who has speed and toughness and a good shot. These girls will impress you this year and the years to come!
Who's your hardest shooter?
Molly Hesterberg: Kelsey Blackwell.
Best stick handler?
Molly Hesterberg: Brandy Noel.
Fastest middie?
Molly Hesterberg: Kati Vu.
Toughest D?
Molly Hesterberg: Jayme Frost [and] Julia Banks.
What is the strength of your 2009 squad?
Molly Hesterberg: We have a stronger defense this year, we have a solid starting lineup and also key players coming off the bench. We didn't have that last year. My players last year had to stick it out the whole game with no subs! We couldn't even risk having an injury because we'd be man-down. My first season with this team we only won four games. I am looking to improve our wins every year. We are much stronger, faster, and more aggressive than last year. Once again, our conference is tough but the teams we play can only make our squad better.
How do the coaching roles work in your program? What are the key responsibilities of your assistants?
Molly Hesterberg: Kelly Buikus will be working with the defense and helping out with recruiting. Tammy Butler will be assisting with the goalies.
How strong are your seniors?
Molly Hesterberg: Strong. I only have one though -- Brit Colandreo. She has really matured as a lacrosse player and sees the field much better.
Which teams are you most looking forward to playing this season?
Molly Hesterberg: Wesley (our opening game) and Shenandoah (out of conference). We lost to them in triple overtime and lost by one last season.
Which teams provide the biggest challenge?
Molly Hesterberg: We are a young program and new to the CAC. It's our second season in the conference. We play [the] top-ranked teams in the nation. Salisbury and St. Mary's will be our toughest challenges. I'm glad we get to play such great teams. It will only make us better as a program.
How strong is your conference in 2009?
Molly Hesterberg: Our conference is VERY strong!
How strong is the Maryland/Baltimore area for recruiting these days?
Molly Hesterberg: Very strong. I enjoy recruiting in the Baltimore area.
Where's the farthest you gone to get a recruit?
Molly Hesterberg: Connecticut -- my home state!
How many camps should a kid play in the summer if she wants to play in college?
Molly Hesterberg: At least two.
Are you a fan of multi-sport athletes when recruiting?
Molly Hesterberg: Yes! I love having basketball players! Great defenders!
Who were your influences in coaching?
Molly Hesterberg: Denna Grasso, my college coach, and Geno Auriemma, (the women's basketball coach) at UConn.
Would you rather be the underdog or favorite in a big game?
Molly Hesterberg: Tough one! I love when the underdogs come back, though.
Do your players see you as a friend, mother figure, teacher or boss?
Molly Hesterberg: Hopefully a teacher, mother figure and counselor! I get to hear all their problems!
What's the most important trait of a great player?
Molly Hesterberg: Passion and heart!
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