SAUGUS — The Sachems have a new varsity field hockey coach, as Julie Champigny takes from Barbara Guarente this fall.
Champigny brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, having played field hockey at Endicott College in Beverly. Despite the new position, she’s already familiar with the program and many of its returning players.
“I played field hockey at Acton-Boxborough High School. I grew up in Acton. My mom played field hockey at Holy Cross and is also a field hockey coach. We’re actually a big field hockey family, which is special,” Champigny said. “I played field hockey at Endicott College and had a wonderful time there. I knew I wanted to stay around the sport and I’ve coached Saugus field hockey as the JV coach under Barbara for two years and learned so much from her.”
Champigny said she plans to carry on many of the traditions her predecessor started.
“She really created a fantastic program filled with history. I was really touched when she wanted me to continue on as the head coach, and now I’m excited for this opportunity,” Champigny said. “Barbara formed such a respect for the girls and such a tight-knit group. She instilled so many awesome traditions that I hope to keep. There was just so much joy every day on the turf, and I can’t wait to keep that going — to keep the teamwork there, but also move the girls even further in the sport.”
One area Champigny is especially excited about: working with younger athletes.
“I didn’t know, going into coaching at Saugus, that it’s a middle-high school, so it’s cool getting to receive athletes in eighth grade and coach them through the years,” she said. “I really love that, and I think it’s really cool that we can get field hockey players who have never played the sport before and introduce them to something that they grow to love. It’s a fall sport in which they get to start building this community at the beginning of the school year.”
When asked to describe herself as a coach, Champigny didn’t hesitate.
“I’m very passionate, but I lead with positivity and the knowledge of the sport,” she said. “I was a high school field hockey player in their shoes not too long ago. It’s special that I know exactly what these girls are going through, and at the same time, I know exactly the skills we’re going to need to be successful in this league.”
Captains will be Sydney Ferreira, Jordyn Ripley-Deminski, Anna Enwright, and Audrey Comeau.
“I can’t wait to work with them. They’re going to be great leaders,” Champigny said. “It’s going to be interesting because we have such a diversity of grades on our team and young girls, and I can’t wait to watch them lead the team.”
