BROCKPORT, N.Y. -- Dr. Sue Tyler (back left), former Maryland field hockey and lacrosse head coach and associate athletics director, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Thursday.
Tyler is the only Division I coach to win an NCAA National Championship in two different sports, field hockey and lacrosse, leading the Terrapins to the 1987 field hockey title and the 1981 and 1986 lacrosse titles. As head field hockey coach from 1974-1987, Tyler led the program to a record of 153-86-27 (.644). She was the head women's lacrosse coach at Maryland in 1974 and 1976-90. Over her 16 seasons at the helm, Tyler compiled a 195-61-3 record
After retiring from coaching, Tyler transitioned to athletic administration, serving as an Associate Athletic Director at the University of Maryland and as Athletic Director at the University of Maine. She was an assistant coach for the U.S. National Team and served on the NCAA women's lacrosse committee, while also serving in volunteer leadership roles with the USWLA and US Lacrosse.
Tyler was inducted into the Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995, the US Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1999 and the IWLCA Hall of Fame in 2018.
"Our sport would not be what it is today without Dr. Tyler. She used her voice on the field, but also in writing and within athletics as an administrator and leader to advocate for female sports," noted NFHCA first vice-president and chair of the NFHCA Awards and Hall of Fame Committee, Chrissy Summers. "As the only Division I coach to win a National Championship in two sports, her impact stretches beyond field hockey. It is an honor that she chose to give her immeasurable talents to our sport."
"I am pleased and honored to be recognized for contributions to the sport of field hockey," said Tyler. "While coaching, I focused daily on the players yet also felt deeply committed to developing the sport, enhancing coaching and coaches, and spreading the appreciation and love of field hockey. I am so proud of the players, as the Maryland team was always known to be better than the sum of its parts!"
Tyler is the third recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award — she joins Nancy Cox, who was honored in 2019, and Sharon E. Taylor, the inaugural recipient who was recognized in 2018.
The NFHCA Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 2018 as a way to distinguish a seasoned coach and their significant impact on the sport. With this award their courage, leadership, and strength are being recognized as well as their outstanding commitment to the sport of field hockey.
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