Pat Hall (Builder)
A founder, builder and volunteer to her core
In the Builder’s category of this year’s Hall of Fame, Field Hockey Canada is proud to induct Pat Hall. Hall’s outstanding commitment to BC women’s field hockey, specifically on Vancouver Island, has left an incredible mark on the game. She serves as a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the game.
Shelley Andrews, a fellow FHC Hall of Famer, described how far Hall’s reach was on the game. “She’s been a major contributor, coach, manager, player, throughout B.C. hockey and Canadian field hockey,” said Andrews. “There’s just not that many women who’ve done and contributed so much in so many areas in so many years.”
Hall’s journey is filled with remarkable achievements. She co-founded the Vancouver Island Ladies Field Hockey Association and served as the President of the BC Women’s Field Hockey Federation, both roles that showcased her unwavering commitment. “I think that volunteering is very important,” said Hall. Her innate desire to be a part of initiatives that positively impacted the field hockey community.
A passion ignited through family
Growing up in Victoria, near Hillside, Hall’s athletic journey began in her childhood. It was in grade six that she first picked up a field hockey stick, encouraged by her older sister Peggy, who was already involved in the game. The spark ignited during those early days continued to burn bright as she progressed through her adolescence and into Victoria High School. Pat became a fervent advocate for the sport, promoting it within schools and communities alongside fellow advocate Ev Siglet.
Pat’s athletic journey began in her childhood as she was growing up in Hillside, a neighbourhood in Victoria, B.C. It was in grade six that she first picked up a field hockey stick as she was encouraged by her older sister Peggy, who was already involved in the game. The spark ignited during those early days and continued as she progressed through her adolescence and into Victoria High School. Pat slowly became a passionate advocate for the sport, promoting it within schools and communities alongside fellow teammate Ev Siglet.
From player to Vancouver Island pioneer
Pat’s dedication led to the co-founding of the Vancouver Island Ladies Field Hockey Association, a pivotal moment that propelled the expansion of the game in B.C. Nancy Mollenhauer, a Vancouver Island native FHC Hall of Famer, described the legacy that organization has today.
“Pat was a real kickstart behind getting that all going, and as a result, we’ve got three divisions of hockey and some incredibly talented players that we’re obviously very proud of that have come through,” said Mollenhaur.
Word of Pat’s remarkable efforts began to spread, leading her to taking on roles with increasing responsibility. One of these roles included being the first Vice President of the BC Women’s Field Hockey Federation and later assumed the role of President.”She felt strongly about the Island having a voice in the province for field hockey,” said Denise Hall, Pat’s daughter.
Pat was also a board member of the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Association (CWFHA) in 1976 and served as Vice-President in 1979. Her passion for giving back also extended to co-founding the South Island Field Hockey Umpires Association, a body dedicated to developing local officials.
Deserving acknowledgement of a remarkable legacy
Pat’s commitment to Field Hockey was acknowledged through numerous awards and recognitions. This included the Victoria Sports Person Award and the BCWFHF Gold Pin for her contributions. However, Pat never rested on these accolades, but rather used it to fuel her ongoing commitment to the sport she loved.
She remained actively involved in coaching and umpiring at the local level, becoming an inspiration to countless individuals. Her remarkable journey culminated in her induction into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2020, a testament to her enduring impact on the field hockey community. Looking back, Pat’s loved ones remember her as a dedicated volunteer who not only loved the game but also inspired others to embrace it wholeheartedly.
Pat’s legacy is one of devotion, commitment, and a profound love for the sport of field hockey.
“She wanted to do it not just for the love of the game but for the love of the people that she met throughout field hockey,” said Denise Hall. “I’ve never seen anybody who’s got a deep love for sport like my mother did for field hockey.”
Pat Hall’s induction into the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to her extraordinary contributions, shaping the field hockey landscape and inspiring generations to come.
