July 23, 2004

Melissa Krempa

GENEVA, N.Y.—William Smith Field Hockey Head Coach Sally Scatton recently announced the appointment of Melissa Krempa, who will serve as the Herons’ assistant coach during the 2004 season. Krempa comes to William Smith following an exceptional playing career at Middlebury College.

A 2003 first-team All-American, Krempa led the Panthers to the NESCAC title and the NCAA tournament championship game. The midfielder scored six goals and assisted on four others, finishing third on the team with 16 points. Her efforts in the NCAA Tournament earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

“Melissa has had an incredible playing career at Middlebury, a standout for a nationally ranked program,” Scatton said. “I’m thrilled to have her join our staff. She knows what it takes to build a successful team.”

In 2003, Krempa was a part of a team that set Middlebury records for wins (19), winning percentage (.950), winning streak (19), and goals in a season (71), while tying the school mark with seven shutouts.

In addition to her offensive contributions, Krempa was a huge part of the Middlebury defense that allowed just 1.15 goals/game. During one stretch, the team went 367 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal, a span in which the Panthers shutout four straight opponents.

The four-year starter completed her career with 21 goals and 10 assists, while leading the Panthers to a 45-21 record (.682). She was named the 2004 Deborah Parton Memorial Award winner, presented to the Middlebury female athlete who exemplifies spirit and dedication, as well as the 2003 Panther Contribution Award for efforts on and off the hockey field and the 2002 Unsung Hero Award.

A versatile athlete, Krempa also was a member of the Middlebury Division I Nordic ski team for two seasons, and spent another season as a member of the varsity golf team.

No stranger to coaching, Krempa spent the spring assisting with the Middlebury junior varsity lacrosse team. She has also taught at several summer camps, including the 2003 Olympic Regional Development Authority Gold Medal Adventure Camp.

Krempa, a native of Johnstown, N.Y., graduated cum laude from Middlebury this past spring with bachelor’s degrees in history and psychology.

William Smith returns 10 of 11 starters from last season’s 14-6 team. The Herons finished atop the Liberty League (formerly the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association) regular season standings with a perfect 7-0 mark. William Smith opens the 2004 campaign at 4 p.m., on Sept. 1, at Geneseo. The Herons’ home opener is slated for 2 p.m., on Sept. 11, against Oswego.

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