Coach’s Corner is a weekly column where local coaches share practical advice, personal insights, and valuable lessons from the world of youth and high school sports. Whether you’re a coach looking to lead better, a parent supporting from the sidelines, or a player working to grow on and off the field, Coach’s Corner offers guidance, encouragement, and real-world experience to help you navigate the game—and life—with purpose.
Alice Puckett – Field Hockey Coach
Coaching Background
Alice Puckett is a Harford County native who grew up on the field hockey field and the tennis court. Taking the job at Fallston High School, she is one of the county’s most prestigious coaches with 11 state Championships and countless wins. She later moved on from Fallston to John Carroll where she ended her coaching career.
Advice to Other Coaches
Be consistent and stick to your values and core beliefs as an athlete. It’s best to be stern as you begin your coaching journey. It’s easier to loosen the reigns than tighten them. You have to be the role model all of the time. You’re always on stage and words that you say carry a lot of weight. You can make a players day and ruin it with what you say so choose wisely. In the new era of social media and and quick access to the coaches set some boundaries. If a parent emails you the questions: where, when and what time? That’s an email response. If it’s a why? That’s a face to face conversation, don’t put that in writing or let them read something into your message that’s not there.
Plan your practices out in detail and provide healthy competition. Always make them want to come back for more. Practice should be challenging and fun with life lessons interjected. Have team talks about drinking and decision making. Your parents will thank you a hundred times.
Advice to Parents
Please trust me with your daughter I will always do my best to do the right thing for your daughter. There will be times things aren’t perfect but keeping the team concept that team comes first, please support this.Give your daughter a chance to be successful.
Advice to Players
I am invested in this program and each player. I need you to be invested too. Practice and games are mandatory. There will always be situations that arise that we’ll handle case by case but your expected to be present and on time always.