Lakeland’s Legendary Coach Sarsen Clinches 700th Career Win

October 3, 2022 Examiner Media field hockey

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By Tony Pinciaro

Sarsen-Clinches-700th | The Examiner News — Lakeland field hockey Coach Sharon, as modest and humble as they come, will tell you her 700 career victories are testament to the great players she’s had in her program and the longevity that comes with a 41-year career, but every single player past and present will tell you Sarsen is the driving force behind the program’s success and many of them returned to ‘The Hive’ last Saturday when Sarsen’s Hornets defeated Hen Hud, 8-1, for the milestone victory.

Add another milestone to the impressive and lengthy resume of legendary LAKELAND varsity field hockey coach Sharon Sarsen.

The Hornets defeated Hen Hud, 8-1, presenting Sarsen with her 700th career win on Senior Night.

Sarsen, in her 41st season at Lakeland, is the winningest field hockey coach in New York State.

Lakeland beat Somers, two days before Hen Hud, setting up Sarsen to get her 700th win at home.

Once the game concluded and Lakeland finished congratulating goalie Celeste Pagliaroli, the team descended on Sarsen to celebrate with a unique gift.

“Before the game we made 50 fatheads of Sars so after the game, one of the moms handed us 16 of them,” Pagliaroli said. “We ran to each other first, where I handed them out, then we all ran up to Sars afterwards and had a big group hug.”

Lakeland Junior Varsity coach and former Lakeland field hockey great Andi Coiro was there to witness No.700.

“We are all so proud of Sars,” said Coiro, a co-captain, along with Danielle Fiore, on the 2003 New York State Class A championship team. “She is so humble, but she deserves every ounce of praise and recognition she has received.

“Seven hundred wins doesn’t just happen. It’s a testament to the player development, time and commitment Sars pouts into the program. Nobody works harder than her. She is an asset to the community in every way.”

The 2003 state-title team featured a first for Sarsen – four freshmen. This quartet was Melissa Gonzalez (current Yale field hockey coach), Kara Connolly, Amy Voelkel and Rebecca DiSisto (current Section 1 field hockey co-chairperson).

Pagliaroli said that coming into the season a few players knew that Sarsen was 11 victories away from 700.

“During those 11 wins we definitely faced some hard teams so I think it really meant a lot to be part of her big accomplishment and show that we were really determined this year to get her to 700,” Pagliaroli said. “It was definitely special not only because the win came at home, but it was also senior night.”