Coaches Corner: Peg Scofield

"Women can do anything they want to do," Peg Scofield, head coach of the Yale women's volleyball team, declared. With this attitude, Scofield has led the Bulldogs to a winning season in each of her 12 years with the squad.

Scofield, however, is more than just an excellent coach. She radiates a warmth and level of caring surprising in a person whose job is to foster competition. "It's not just a job for her," Phoebe Dann, CC '98, said. "She really cares about us as people. It is not her responsibility to be as caring as she is."

Scofield's emphasis on the individuality of her players reflects an important aspect of her coaching philosophy. "My approach is in some way holistic," she explained. "I am looking at the entire person, not just the athlete. It is important to build each person's confidence, to build inner and outer strength while unifying the team." Scofield accomplishes this goal by talking to her players. "Without getting too personal, we talk about our lives, relationships, what's going on outside the sport, what respect is and how it's earned," she said.

Courtesy Sports Publicity Office

Scofield's dual approach to coaching, stressing both the personal and athletic elements, parallels her emphasis on equilibrium in life in general. "I am a feminist," Scofield asserts. "I believe in proud, strong women, yet I also have great respect for tradition and family life. The important thing is balance."

Scofield has sought to strike this balance herself. In addition to being committed to her career, she takes great pride in her role as the mother of two young children.

The volleyball team sees their coach as a role model. Dann said of Scofield, "She is really very inspiring for us, as a coach and as a person." As a four-time All-Conference volleyball player who has received distinction as team MVP and scholar-athlete, Scofield understands the challenges facing female athletes. She cites a lack of confidence as a particular problem for women. An essential strategy in the confidence-building process involves establishing goals for the team and helping each player achieve them. "They come in here little girls," she said. "But they leave strong women. That makes a huge difference to me."

The Bulldogs, who currently have a record of 16-11 overall, 4-3 Ivy, will test their strength at the Ivy League Championships, which will take place in New Haven from Fri., Nov. 14 to Sun., Nov. 16. For the tournament, Scofield has encouraged the players to strive towards the goals she has projected for them all season. "I want them to find inspiration in every point, every game, every match and have the confidence that everything they do is worth the effort."

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