Sept. 4, 2008

Garden City, NY - Field hockey returns to Adelphi for the 2008 season, however, this isn't the first time women calling themselves Panthers have picked up hockey sticks. As early as 1912, when Adelphi was still located in Brooklyn, New York, women were playing the game during physical education, and competing against each other in interclass matches.

From the Fortnightly, 1929, announcing Adelphi hockey's varsity status.

According to Adelphi's Fortnightly, during the 1927-28 school year, a group of women under the direction of Thelma Van Narden, organized, joined the New York Field Hockey Association and competed in a varsity schedule against surrounding schools like Manhattanville College and New York University. From that point on, field hockey remained a staple in the Adelphi physical education department (Phys-ed hosted athletics until an actual department was formed in the 40's).

Beginning in the early 1930's, results from Adelphi hockey matches can be regularly found in the New York Times and in campus publications. In the early days of playing at Adelphi, women's athletics were loosely governed, so the players and coaches played a huge role in organizing the matches, purchasing the uniforms and equipment, and traveling to the games. The Fortnightly in 1933 makes mention to Adelphi graduating two players to the American Reserve team and National Touring team, marking what could be the first Panthers to turn professional in athletics.

In 1934, Adelphi College hosted the Northeast Region Tournament, where professional hockey teams from all over the New England/Mid-Atlantic came and played. Adelphi hosted this tournament through out the 40's.

The South African game was a major event on the camous of Adelphi College. This article is from the Fortnightly, November 6, 1936.

Two years later in 1936, Adelphi College brought in the South African National team for a match and tour around New York City.

Throughout the 40's and the 50's the team remained very active playing schools from Connecticut, New Jersey and all through New York. By this point, women's athletics was more organized, and the Panthers were contending for conference titles and competing in tournaments on a regular basis.

The 1960's saw a large increase in popularity for the sport at Adelphi, and turn tryouts were advertised in the Delphian.

The 1975 season marked an important spot in hockey history at Adelphi as it was the first year that scholarships were given.

Sue Kane, Adelphi Athletic Hall of Fame member, was a stand out player on the Panthers' squad

That same season Adelphi captured the Metropolitan Crown and six years later, the Brown and Gold made its first appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Adelphi's stickwomen walked off Stiles field for what seemed to be the last time in 1983 due-to a growing shift in interest towards soccer, which became a varsity sport at Adelphi in 1982. However, 25 years later, hockey is back at Adelphi and will likely continue the success of the 79 year old program.

History of Adelphi Field Hockey was compiled by Garrett Chapman and Jackie Bogensberger. With any additions, corrections or comments, please email Garrett at chapman@adelphi.edu. Thank you.