SHARE

Fiore Named Briarcliff Field Hockey Coach

BRIARCLIFF, N.Y. -- Danielle Fiore knew what her future career would be following an outstanding field hockey career at Lakeland.

“I wanted to coach and teach girls what I had been taught coming from Lakeland and playing for Sars,” Fiore said, referring to legendary Lakeland field hockey coach Sharon Sarsen.

The 24-year-old Fiore achieved her goal when she was recently named the new Briarcliff varsity field hockey coach, replacing Kelly Adams, who retired from coaching after 11 years. It was a natural progression for Fiore, who was Adams’ assistant the past two years.

Fiore also played two years on the Hudson Valley scholastic women’s field hockey team where Adams was an assistant to Sarsen.

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” said Fiore, a 2004 Lakeland graduate, who will open practice Monday. “I had such an incredible opportunity learning from Sars, working in her camps and seeing how she runs things.”

Adams, who guided Briarcliff to the Section 1 Class C championship and a berth in the state final four last year, knows the program is in good hands with Fiore.

“Danielle had that work ethic, dedication and commitment to excellence when she was a player and this will help her as a coach,” Adams said.

Fiore and good friend/fellow co-captain Andi Coiro led an underclassmen-oriented Lakeland to the 2003 New York State Class A championship. Fiore was named the Class A MVP, which included her scoring both goals, on penalty corners, in the final against Williamsville North. The Section 6 opponent focused on shutting down Fiore, but it did not succeed.

Adams, who suggested Fiore for the position to Briarcliff Athletic Director Chris Drosopoulos, began preparing Fiore for this opportunity last year.

“I gave Danielle more responsibility last year and was more comfortable with the players,” Fiore said. “Danielle came up with more ideas and drills for the players to work on and worked with the players on what they needed to do on the field.”

Having this added responsibility, along with working with the detail-oriented Adams, has Fiore prepared.

“Kelly was great at organizing everything and she suggested that I be organized,” said Fiore, who will be assisted by seven-year Junior Varsity coach and Briarcliff graduate, Sara (Solari) Slocum. “Along with being organized, Kelly told me to have fun and not get too ahead of myself.”

Fiore has adhered to Adams’ suggestions, planning out everything. When the season starts, Briarcliff will have an additional fan in Coiro, who foresees success for Fiore.

“When I have coached with Danielle at camps, she has been amazing and she loves it,” Coiro said. “I feel she is going to be a wonderful coach and have a very successful team. “Danielle is very competitive and the type of lady who is likes, and is motivated by a challenge.”

Have you seen Fiore play? Comment below or on Facebook.

 

to follow Daily Voice Briarcliff and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE