Liberty Lessons Stick With Suter
2/11/2021 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Previous Alumni Spotlight Feature: Jordan (Richardson) Bartlett and Erin (Dombach) Danehower (August 14, 2020)
Previous Alumni Spotlight Feature: Serena Barr (July 9, 2020)
Previous Alumni Spotlight Feature: Bethany Barr (June 11, 2020)
By Alan Good, Liberty Field Hockey Assistant Coach
The void in a student athlete's sporting life after graduation can be a tough one to fill, but Liberty Flames alum Rachel Suter knew she wasn't done with field hockey.
Suter returned to her native Millersville, Pa. after her time in Lynchburg ended to pursue an early childhood education teaching certificate, and her hands have been full juggling her role as an elementary school teacher with a couple of field hockey coaching roles.
"Field hockey has been such a big part of my life for as long as I can remember, and after graduation I knew I was not ready to give up being around the sport," explained Suter, who played at Liberty from 2014-17.
"Although coaching is a lot different than playing, I am thankful for this opportunity to be around and do something I love. I could not think of a better place to do it than where I fell in love with the sport myself. It is so rewarding to be back in the program that helped me obtain my goals of being a Division I field hockey player."
Penn Manor High School, her alma mater, and the Nook Sports club team that helped prepare her for life in the NCAA have been the beneficiaries of Suter's field hockey expertise. Although a job change recently forced her to step back from the Penn Manor role, giving back to two institutions that helped shape her means a lot to Suter, and her time at Liberty has certainly influenced her coaching style.
"My time at Liberty has impacted me as a coach in so many ways. This program has taught me how to work together towards a common goal, how to hold my payers to a high standard and to really know the ins and outs of the sport," she said.
"I always want my players to give 100 percent, 100 percent of the time. For me, success is measured by effort. I want to create a culture that is transparent so we can work together towards a common goal. For me, field hockey is about full human development, not just field hockey player development.
"The biggest lesson I try to instill into my players is that you will not regret working hard and pushing yourself. I try to hold the girls to high standards because they are capable of so much!
"I think the players I coach would say that I expect a lot from them and hold them to a high standard. I also hope they would say that I care a lot about them as not only field hockey players, but people as well. For me, this is about their development as a whole person, not just a hockey player, and I feel so lucky to have this small role in their lives."
That blue-collar work-ethic has always been a hallmark of Liberty Field Hockey, and Suter saw firsthand how far it can take a team, winning a NorPac championship and playing two NCAA rounds in 2014 as a freshman.
However, the shine of accolades can fade over time, and Suter has different memories of her time at LUFH that stand out.
"Playing in the BIG EAST Tournament during my junior year in 2016 was a highlight. Even though we didn't win the tournament, it was so fun to play at such a high level with my teammates.
"Worshipping as a team before each game (also stands out). Chapel was always so fun for me and helped me get my mind right before a game. I love this tradition LUFH has.
"I miss being a part of a team and seeing my best friends every day. It was so fun to do life with these girls and build relationships that will last me a lifetime."
Her greatest challenges came off the field as a troublesome knee injury curtailed her involvement at different times. But she still found ways to grow personally during this time, especially in her faith.
"I had three knee surgeries during my time at Liberty and one after my senior season. It wasn't always easy to be on the sideline when I wanted to be on the field. I had to learn my new role during these times and how to remain positive," she recalled.
"My biggest area of growth during my time with LUFH was in my faith. This school, team and coaching staff was a blessing to be surrounded by."
