Stephanie Nesbitt retires from national team

February 16, 2011

If Louis Mendonca, Head Coach of the Women’s Senior National Field Hockey Team, could wave a magic wand to create the ultimate women’s field hockey player, the results would look a lot like Stephanie Nesbitt.  Stephanie, aka “Barney”, embodies everything one looks for in a high performance athlete.  She is fit, strong – in body and mind, skilled, fiercely competitive and dedicated to the team, her teammates and winning. 

In December 2010, Stephanie announced she would be retiring from the Senior National Team after 9 years, a decision that pulled at her heart.  “It is exciting to see, and hard to walk away from, a program that is growing and becoming stronger every day”, says Stephanie. “I can say with confidence and knowledge, that this is due to the dedicated staff and my very talented teammates.   I leave with memories of great friends, hard work, great joy and heart break.  Really all the reasons we love sport.”

Stephanie was more than a teammate to the women on her team– she was a friend, a mentor, an inspiration.  When asked about Stephanie’s retirement, Stephanie Jameson said “"Barney is the best training partner, teammate, and friend a person could ask for – there to push you when you need it but also there with an open-ear when times are tough. I’m glad I was able to share most of my National Team career with her – to be honest I’m feeling a little lost without her right now!" 

Athletes were not the only ones influenced by Stephanie.  Robin D’Abreo, Head Coach for the Men’s Senior National Team and former Women’s National Team Assistant Coach, says that for him, “Stephanie redefined what is actually possible when a dedicated and gifted athlete commits to continuous self improvement.  Through discipline and an unshakable work ethic, she is one of the few athletes that I have seen play better hockey with each passing year.”

Stephanie’s mentorship will continue to be felt by the young women on the squad.  ”Barney was an integral part of building this team. Her dedication and love of the sport was something that everyone can aspire for; and we are a better, more cohesive team from having her as a player and as a leader”, says Katie Baker, Captain of the Women’s National Team.  Jameson would agree adding, she “showed us all that you always have a little more to give. She was dedicated to watching video, understanding the tactics and doing extra work on her shooting and attacking skills – it showed on the field and we’re really going to miss her out there."

Stephanie retires with an impressive 105 caps having competed at 3 Commonwealth Games, the 2010 World Cup Qualifier, 2008 Olympic Qualifier, the 2007 Pan American Games, as well as the 2009 and 2004 Pan American Cups.

Thank you Stephanie!  Your contribution to the women’s program will be felt for years to come.  We hope you will stay close to your field hockey roots, continuing to foster the next generation of players.