Karen Doxey: Coach, Role Model, Mentor

    After 35 years of coaching, eight at Norfolk Academy and the past 27 at Collegiate, Doxey’s teams have amassed 563 wins (against 117 losses and 35 ties).   
    Her career victory total ranks third on the National Federation of State High School Associations ledger.
    “It’s longevity,” said Doxey, who also serves as director of athletics.  “I’ve been in the profession for so long that you’ll accumulate some wins.
    “I’ve been blessed with great kids at Norfolk Academy and Collegiate who buy into what we’re trying to teach.
    “That’s why teams are successful.”
    Doxey, who earned her undergraduate degree from West Chester University and master’s from Old Dominion, has coached the Cougars to 18 League of Independent School and eight VISAA titles.
    Her accomplishments are significant, that’s for sure, but the true measure of Karen Doxey isn’t wins or championships or national rankings.
    Instead, it’s the credibility she’s established with her unflappable demeanor, her attention to detail, her ability to coach both the superstar and the novice, and her empowerment of each member of her staff.
    She’s truly earned the respect of colleagues, players, and competitors. It’s a level of respect that borders on reverence.
    Hear what those who know her well have to say.

    Without much fanfare, Karen Doxey has built a record that would be the envy of any coach in any sport.  Along the way, she has been a role model for her colleagues and a tremendous leader in our athletic department.  Collegiate field hockey is on the map, and we have Karen to thank for building a program that compares favorably to the very best in the nation.
               Keith Evans, Head of Collegiate School

    The greatest gift that Karen gives her players is her distinct belief that every kid can achieve to the highest level of her potential.  She finds a way to get the most out of every athlete, and the athlete learns something about herself that she can carry through life.
               MH Bartzen, assistant Collegiate field hockey coach

    I’m a huge fan of Karen’s.  She’s a terrific person, a great role model, and a great mentor for her players, players at other schools, and the coaches who stand on the other side of the 50 from her.
               Margie Snead, head field hockey coach, Trinity Episcopal

    Karen is the consummate coach, a class act all the way.
    I always joke with her that when I grow up, I want to be Karen Doxey. 
               Mary Werkheiser, head field hockey coach, Norfolk Academy

    Coach Doxey creates an environment where everyone has a role and responsibility. Whether they are a starter or a reserve, everyone shares in the success of the team.  It’s meaningful because you want to win for Coach Doxey and for your team. 
    She’s created a very special feeling.
              Jamie Whitten Montgomery ’03, United States national field hockey team

    Karen is one of the most competitive people I have ever known; however, I have NEVER seen her desire to win trump sportsmanship and fair play, and her players embrace and reflect her values.   She’s the perfect Collegiate coach.
               Hugh T. Harrison II, a supporter, with his wife Nancy, of Collegiate field hockey for 15 years.
               Their daughters, Courtney Harrison Bradenham ’02 and Sarah Harrison ’05, are former Collegiate field hockey players.

    We have a long tradition of playing Collegiate, and we always know the game will be well played and sportsmanlike.  I love coaching against Karen because I have so much respect for her and her relationship with her kids.  She always maintains her composure.  She’s very welcoming, respectful, and humble.
    I’m so happy to see her success.
               Julie Swain, head field hockey coach, Cox High School, Virginia Beach

    With Coach Doxey, it’s all about team.  She’s incredibly patient in watching her team develop, and her teams play their absolute best when it matters most.  Coach Doxey's dedication to Collegiate’s field hockey program has allowed it to develop a tradition of success. Nothing but your personal best is an option.
               Tori O’Shea ’08, assistant field hockey coach, Collegiate
       
    And finally, the three captains from the fall of 2013.

    Coach Doxey, to me, never thought about the number of wins. What she thought about was getting her players as ready as she could and coaching to the best of her ability.
    It was never about winning or losing; it was always about how we played. Whether we played our best and lost or our worst and won, the next day at practice we were always getting better.
    Coach Doxey was always there to encourage and teach. She demands excellence and commands respect from her players on and off the field.
              Sydney Cardozo ’14

    An important aspect of Coach Doxey's coaching style is her focus on the post season. Every drill, sprint, weight room (session), and game shapes the team and prepares us for LIS and states.
    She has a system, and it works. She demands the best from everyone and pushes us to our limit every day.
    She has done so much for me as a hockey player and as a person. I’m sure there are hundreds of girls that would say the same.
               Dodi Allocca ’14

    What I love most about my mom as my coach is how much she cares about the team.  Every night, she stays up very late creating a practice plan to fit everyone's needs and figures out how she can make all of us better as a team and as individuals.
               Brooks Doxey ‘14
                      -- Weldon Bradshaw