The Messiah field hockey team will be appearing in their 15th NCAA Division III Final Four this weekend when they travel to Geneva, NY. The Falcons are looking to capture their first ever National Championship. Over the weekend they hosted the Second and Third Round games, first defeating Keene State 5-0 on Saturday, and then beat Middlebury College 4-2 on Sunday to advance to the Final Four. They will take on Babson College in the semifinal game on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
 
A very talented team, combined with a torrid offense and stifling defense, not to mention the leadership of arguably the best coaching staff in the country, has guided the Falcons to where they are right now. It all starts at the top with head coach Brooke Good. She is in her fifth year as head coach and has led Messiah to five NCAA Tournament appearances while compiling a 83-24 coaching record.
 
We decided to catch up with Coach Good in the first coaches edition of #WhyMessiah
 
Where did you attend college?
I attended Messiah and graduated in 2003. I played field hockey and softball at Messiah. I received my Master of Education in Sport Management from Millersville University. I was a graduate assistant in the Wellness and Sport Sciences Department during my time there.

How many years have you been coaching at Messiah?
This season marked my fifth year as head coach and I served as assistant coach for nine years prior.
 
Why do you love coaching at Messiah?
I love coaching at Messiah because I am able to give back to a program and college that has given so much to me over the years.
 
What is your favorite part about coaching?
Seeing someone "get it" and then watching them take off from there and really grow into, not only a great athlete, but great individual as well.
 
What is the most unique aspect of your program?
Not necessarily unique, but a fun fact – this season we asked one alumni of the program to write a letter of encouragement to the team before each game. The current players like to receive wisdom from former players and the alums like to give back by inspiring the current team.
 
Are you superstitious or do you have pre-game coaching rituals, habits?
I'm not very superstitious but I do have certain habits like wearing my grey Under Armour hat for every game, no matter the weather. I think I was more superstitious as an athlete than I am now as a coach.
 
What is the best thing about your coaching staff?
We all played different positions when we were athletes so we bring different perspectives and strategies to the table. There is also a lot of respect and trust among our staff, which allows everyone to freely provide input and offer suggestions for practice planning, game strategy, and overall program decision-making.
 
Do you have a favorite Messiah memory?
Getting the head coaching position after being an assistant for several years. It was and still is my dream job and I don't take a single day for granted.
 
What is the best advice you received from another coach or colleague?
I seek advice regularly, so I have received a ton of great guidance from my colleagues. One specific example sticks out to me from when I was an assistant coach. I found myself getting restless and impatient, wanting my ideas to be implemented but a colleague reminded me that I have a specific role to play as an assistant coach and that was to support the head coach first and foremost. When the opportunity presents itself, add my thoughts and opinions, but be patient first. They continued by saying that one day I will have my own program and have the opportunity to make all of the decisions, but right now it is about filling my role to the best of my ability and again having patience.
 
If you had to choose another job besides coaching, what would you do?
I would either own or run a sports camp for underprivileged kids or own my own restaurant/café.
 
What advice would you give to younger athletes who aspire to play a sport in college?
Don't specialize in just one sport. Play several different sports, even in high school. It's good for your body and your mind.
 
If you could coach any other team in the Messiah College Athletic Department, which team would you choose and why?
Softball because that's the only other sport I feel qualified to coach!
 
If you could have dinner with any coach past or present, who would it be and why?
I have three responses for this question. First, Pat Summit because she was a trailblazer for all female coaches and is someone I really admire. My second person would be John Wooden because his leadership principles impact my coaching style and philosophy on a daily basis. Finally I would love to dine with Tony Bennett, head men's basketball coach at the University of Virginia, because he has created an incredible program with strong core values, very similar to many programs at Messiah.
 

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