SWAMPSCOTT — Swampscott field hockey coach Courtney Russo is set to have her name etched into the Connecticut field hockey history books. On September 8, Russo will be one of eight players selected into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame.
“I was contacted by the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame and they told me they wanted to induct me. I haven’t been living in Connecticut for a while, but I did play high school field hockey there (Cheshire High School) and my field hockey journey all started there,” said Russo, a former high school captain. “My high school had a strong field hockey program and a rich history in field hockey.”
The former University of Rhode Island standout said the news came as a surprise, but added she was honored to get the call.
“I was kind of shocked and humbled. I was honored above all and just felt very privileged to be remembered and thought of in that way,” she said. “I was excited… I can also share that and bring it to my current spot with field hockey in the coaching realm.”
Russo excelled with Cheshire as part of a state championship team – twice.
“We were state champions in two of my years. Those highs were great, but like many great teams, we also lost in a couple of state championship games,” Russo said. “I think as many lessons come from losses as they do from wins. I think that is what helped me prepare even more in high school, which I then took to college at the University of Rhode Island and again into coaching.”
Between growing up with field hockey, winning state titles, playing for Rhode Island, and helming Swampscott’s high school program, the sport was always there for Russo.
“It’s monumental in a way, to really think and reflect a little bit on where it began for me and taking a look back on where I am and where I’ve come from. Field hockey, if you think about the entirety of my life, has been a strong constant. Starting from my early days as a student, an athlete, a mom, a teacher, a coach, field hockey has always been there,” Russo said. “It’s been a guiding factor through all of the stages of my life. It’s been really nice to have that recognition, but also, to reflect upon the different journey my life has taken thus far.”
When asked about her love for the sport, Russo pointed to competition and connections.
“The game itself has a lot of different competitive aspects and I love that aspect of the game. And, more importantly, the different friendships and connections that I’ve gotten and maintained along the way through coaches and teammates,” she said. “Seeing the growth of players I have coached over the years, and seeing the different levels that you can play at. It’s great seeing the different kinds of things that the game can teach you – not just about the game on the field, but how to take those lessons on the field and really use them off the field.
Russo will be on the sideline once again this fall. She coached at Swampscott High from 1999-2005 before taking time off, and has been back for the last seven seasons.
Last fall, the Big Blue finished 12-6-2 and fell to Foxborough in the MIAA Division 3 state tournament. Swampscott was ranked No. 12.
Come September 8, the Hall of Fame dinner is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.
