Fithian: Getting to No. 200 was certainly a team effort

KINGSTON – It’s almost impossible to get Linda Fithian to talk about the tremendous success she’s enjoyed as head coach of the Wyoming Valley West field hockey team during the past 12 years.

So maybe it’s best for those closest to Fithian – who recently won her 200th career game with the Spartans – to speak on her behalf.

“She’s an all-around great coach and friend,” said junior Dominique Pasqualichio. “She knows the game really well. She knows what she’s talking about. We learn so much from her. She’s there for us when we need her off the field. She encourages us.”

Fithian reached the 200-win milestone last week with a 1-0 overtime win against Nanticoke Area. The team, including coaches, players and parents, celebrated the achievement following the game.

“I think she brings out the best in her players,” said the senior, who has played for Fithian for the last four years. “She motivates us and pushes to play up to our ability. She pushes us mentally and physically to be the best we can be.”

Assistant coach Diane Webster has gotten an up-close look at Fithian’s success. The two came to Valley West together a dozen years ago.

“Linda brings a lot of enthusiasm and excitement,” said Webster. “She’s very dedicated and she gives the players 100 percent every day. She puts her whole self into the program. We do a lot of off-field activities and I think Linda has taught the girls a lot of life skills, as well.”

Fithian played high school field hockey in Haddon Heights, N.J. and in college at Ursinus. She served as an assistant coach at Crestwood under head coach Elvetta Gemski for three seasons before taking the Valley West job in 1996.

Since that time, Fithian has led the Spartans to several Wyoming Valley Conference Division I and District 2 Class 3A championships. She also guided Valley West to a Class 3A state championship in 2003. Fithian has compiled a record of 200-59-9, winning 76 percent of her games.

But the humble coach says many people have played a role in the program’s success.

“Coach Webster has been with me for all 12 years. We’re a duo. I couldn’t have done it alone, said Fithian, who is also assisted by coaches Amber Walko-Ray and Hannah Beach. “A lot of people will say, ‘Look, Fithian got her 200th win.’ But it’s not that simple. It’s much more complicated.

“I think of all the great people who have been part of the program. The assistant coaches, the players, the parents, they’ve all played a role. The whole program has 200 wins. I have a lot of wonderful memories.”

Will there come a time when she will allow herself to enjoy what she’s accomplished?

“No,” she said emphatically, and with a little laugh. “It has nothing to do with me at all. There are so many people involved.”

Although Fithian ultimately calls the shots, the team isn’t a dictatorship, says senior Amanda Harris.

“(Fithian) has a great knowledge of the game, but she also allows us to voice our opinions,” she said. “If we think something should change, she’ll let us try it. If it doesn’t work, we go back to what we were doing. But at least she gives us that chance.”

The 200 wins and the championships weren’t on the radar screen when Fithian took over the program, said Webster.

“It’s amazing, actually,” she said. “When we started (at Valley West), we thought we’d be here five years or so. Then it was 10 years. Now, we’re starting our 13th. Getting 200 wins is really kind of neat. It’s been 12 great years. We have so many wonderful memories. We’ve been very blessed.”

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