This article is from the EMU News Archive. The approximate date of publication was in June 2003. Current EMU news is available at www.emu.edu/news

TO EMU HEADLINE NEWS | EMU ATHLETICS

EMU Grad to Lead Royals Field Hockey

Brenda Kratz Bechler has accepted the head women's field hockey coaching position at Eastern Mennonite University, effective Aug. 1, 2003.

Bechler is a 1995 graduate of EMU with a degree in health and physical education and minors in biology, coaching and exercise science. She earned a master's degree in kinesiology/exercise science: fitness specialist from James Madison University in 2002.

Bechler is currently a personal trainer employed as clinical programs supervisor at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital's Wellness Center in Harrisonburg. She played varsity field hockey at EMU from 1991-94, earning All-ODAC Second Team in 1994, South Regional All-American Second Team and All Academic honors, also in 1994. The 1992 EMU team won the ODAC championship and participated in the NCAA Division III playoffs.

Bechler returned to EMU in 1995 as an assistant field hockey coach for five years. The Lady Royals won the ODAC championship all five years, progressing to the NCAA Final four in 1995 and the second round in 1996. She also served as head softball coach during the 1998 season.

"Coach Bechler brings not only playing but also coaching experience to our program," said EMU Athletics Director Larry Martin. "These experiences, being a Harrisonburg resident and having graduated from EMU were factors in inviting her to join our staff. We expect Brenda to continue the tradition of excellent field hockey at EMU and to be consistently contending for the ODAC championship, which leads to participating in the NCAA playoffs," Martin added.

The Royals graduated only two seniors, and return a solid nucleus of six sophomores, including ODAC Rookie of the Year and first team ODAC member Jonalyn Denlinger and second team All-ODAC Stephanie Derstine. The Lady Royals, who were 15-4 in 2002-03, finished the season ranked 15th nationally in the NFHA Division III poll.

Bechler and her husband, Dave, also an EMU graduate and athletic director at EMHS, have two sons and reside in Harrisonburg.

 

Posted: June 24, 2003