An Open Letter From ODU Field Hockey Coach Andrew Griffiths to Natalie Holder
Dear Natalie Holder,
To my colleague, friend and right-hand person for the past 12 years with ODU Field Hockey:
I want to extend my gratitude and thanks for your service, loyalty, commitment and dedication to our team, program, the ODU athletic department and University. On behalf of each of the student-athletes that you have coached and mentored: thank you.
Your passion, work ethic, drive, compassion, and willingness to go above and beyond, has been inspirational to our young players. Aside from the hours on the field and in the weight room, you spent nights taking players to the ER, rushing to campus to help players in distress, hosting the team for a meal at your home, and giving your time and energy in the extra hours that you spent outside of your job – all to help our student-athletes.
For the last 12 years, you have been a role model for our young players. You have set an example for them of what a professional female coach and mother can be. You have shown drive and competitiveness towards success, and at the same time, an unwavering compassion and level of support for each individual. You have enduring relationships and friendships with so many alumni who have played here with us at ODU. Many of those young alumni are now in the NCAA, high school and club coaching world.
I am thrilled for you about your new role at Norfolk Academy. You are a stellar example of what an NCAA coach should be. Our young student-athletes could not have had a better role model, an example of what it means to be a leader of integrity and courage; a woman of hope, loyalty, drive and also of resilience.
Natalie is a special coach, “teammate” and friend. She has earned every step forward along the way, and she deserves all the best of future success personally and professionally. We will miss her and wish her and her family the best of success.
On a personal note, I have watched you lead our team and program with pride and strength, including during a couple of short periods when I was unable to be here. We have been through much together, but in the end, I am so proud of where our team stands now. We have won championships; we are consistently ranked year to year in the NCAA top 20; and just as importantly we have, together, built a team culture which holds firm a set values that I am proud of.
When I see our team working hard, picking each other up through tough moments, and competing with the best in the country head-to-head, I reflect on the leadership you have offered to them. Your legacy is strong and powerful.
My lasting images of you are on the field, putting your arm around a player’s shoulder: encouraging and inspiring them through a challenge; keeping their heads held high; and celebrating some of our great successes with them.
On behalf of our entire team, and our past players here: we wish you, Ian, Luna and Roma, all the very best in your new endeavors, and we look forward to seeing you back here cheering the Monarchs on to more successes in our new era!
With respect and love,
Head Field Hockey Coach
Old Dominion University
Head Coach ODU Field Hockey