Durante Sets High Standard in First Season as Head Coach

By: Emma Bowman, JRN418
For MSUSpartans.com

Every beginning carries a bit of uncertainty.

For Tamara Durante, stepping into the role as Michigan State field hockey's new head coach, the 10th in program history, feels less like starting over and more like coming home.

Durante uniquely understands MSU, as she was the team's longtime assistant coach and then associate head coach under former Head Coach Helen Knull. Durante knows the past but wants to take the Spartans field hockey program into a new era of competitiveness.

"I want to get Michigan State back to their dominance in the '90s. When people asked, 'Who's the best in the Big Ten?', it was Michigan State," Durante said. "In the next five years, I want to be in the top four spots consistently, which will take time and work to create that sustained success."

The change in leadership has brought out a new energy within the team. Players have embraced Durante's outlook on unity, accountability and trust, creating a renewed sense of excitement when stepping onto the field.

"She gives me a lot of pressure to perform, which is something that I want from a coach," senior and team captain Bianca Pizano said. "She is extremely motivating and makes me want to do better."

Durante joined the coaching staff in 2015 and spent 11 seasons under Knull. She began her journey with the Spartans as an assistant coach, rising to associate head coach after three years. When Knull announced her resignation in early January, Durante was quick to step up to keep the team motivated. Durante is also USA Field Hockey's U16 head coach during the spring, but MSU is her top priority.

Splitting her time between both teams was a challenge she had experienced before, but during this coaching transition period, she took on more responsibility. Durante frequently hosted meetings with the team and captains in order to assist in any way possible.

"She never treated us like she wasn't going to be our coach," Pizano, who is majoring in Kinesiology, said. "She never brushed us aside, which I think was very motivating for everyone and caused the team to have a positive outlook early on."

After a month of interviewing, Durante was named Head Coach on February 20. Her knowledge of the MSU program and its players provided her with a strong foundation as she took on the top leadership role.

"I've been an assistant for 20 something years, and I've worked for some really great people," Durante said. "When Helen decided to resign, I felt like the kids deserved to have the best possible person out there."

Her coaching experience extends beyond East Lansing. Before coming to MSU, Durante spent 10 seasons at Yale (2005-10) as assistant head coach. Durante took control of the recruiting process, focusing largely on the team's goalkeepers and forwards. She helped the Bulldogs to an Ivy League title in 2011.

Prior to Yale, she was the assistant coach at Ohio University for four seasons (2001-04). There, she helped lead the Bobcats to the MAC Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2001.

While her resume demonstrates years of experience and success, Durante's focus goes far beyond what happens on the field. She challenges her players to push past their own expectations and recognize their potential.

"I'm trying to keep pushing them beyond what they think is achievable. If we raise the bar just by a tiny bit, it makes a big difference," Durante said.

This philosophy is already being put into practice in Durante's first season. Her high expectations have challenged players to approach each game and practice with a goal of not only improving their own skills but the team as a whole.

"It's refreshing to have a new coach and a new perspective," junior and team captain Lili Knorr said. "She sets very clear expectations and gives us a lot of space to give her feedback on what we think is best for the team."

Durante's coaching style puts a heavy emphasis on playing as a team and understanding that the group is only as strong as their weakest player.

"She is really focused on bringing the energy together and connecting with each other," Knorr, a neuroscience major, said. "We can be great if we play as a team."

This family value was already at the core of the team, but there is a renewed sense of importance surrounding it under her leadership.

"She really wants us to have that family connection, which has always been a value of ours," Pizano said. "But this year is honestly where it has been felt the most, and I think it's because of her."

Michigan State University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Bianca Pizano

Related Videos