One of the most winningest coaches in high school field hockey throughout the past four decades announced her retirement last week, according to Lower Dauphin school district officials.
The announcement was made public Tuesday.
“On Tuesday, March 14, Lower Dauphin High School will begin the search for a new varsity field hockey coach after receiving Linda Kreiser’s resignation letter last week.
Coach Kreiser became head coach in the 1978-79 season, going 9-2 and winning a conference title. The winning ways continued over the next 44 years with the Falcons earning seven state championships, 16 District 3 championships and more than 800 career victories.
“I am filled with extreme gratitude for the opportunity I was given 45 years ago to be the varsity head coach,” she said in her resignation letter. “I learned over the years that the LDFH program is not about one person – it is about team, tradition, love and joy. I learned that from Miss Bea Hallman, who founded the program in 1963, who was my coach in high school. She was my mentor as a young athlete and she was there for me when I became a coach.”
Next season, the field hockey program will celebrate its 60th year at Lower Dauphin. Coach Kreiser has been involved in 50 of those years as a player, junior high coach and varsity coach. She plans to continue being involved in the LDFH program as a volunteer coach.
“The time is right for me to pass the reins to the next coach. I love the game of field hockey and I love LDFH. I will always be a member of the LDFH family and I am not going away.
“I have appreciated my time and I have been deeply rewarded in so many ways.”
