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Jecko Returns to Sidelines as Assistant Coach
5/4/2022 3:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
DURHAM – Duke field hockey head coach Pam Bustin has announced the addition of Jess Jecko as an assistant coach. Jecko previously served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Blue Devils during the 2020-21 season.
Jecko returns to Durham following one season as an assistant coach at Dartmouth College. The Big Green returned to the field hockey field for the first time since the fall of 2019 and Jecko was instrumental in leading Dartmouth through a challenging 2021 campaign.
"I am proud and excited to announce the return of Jess Jecko to the 2022 Duke field hockey staff as an assistant coach. Jess served as a committed and enthusiastic volunteer coach throughout the 2020 season and now returns to Duke after coaching the 2021 season with the Dartmouth College field hockey program."
"I'm thrilled to be re-joining the Blue Devil community this spring," said Jecko. "Duke field hockey was incredibly welcoming to me when I was there in 2020-2021, so I am ecstatic to be able to return to Durham. Duke's culture has always produced dedicated, high-performing athletes. I know the team continued to grow last season and I'm looking forward to being part of the future of Duke field hockey."
Jecko returns to the ACC following her collegiate career at Syracuse in which she played from 2012-15. After graduating in 2016, Jecko was a member of the USA Women's National Team and competed in the Field Hockey Pro League for two seasons. A standout goaltender for Syracuse, Jecko will work closely with Duke's talented quarter of goalies this upcoming season.
"Jess's passion for the coaching profession and for all aspects of the game made this decision an easy one," Bustin said. "Jess understands the Duke True program philosophy and shares in the values in which we live and play. With her specialty in goalkeeping, Jess, alongside volunteer coach and Duke alum Sammi Steele, will have her hands full as we welcome goalkeepers Grace Brightbill, Piper Hampsch, Charlotte Johnson, and freshman Abby Spear to the field this fall."
During her time in the cage at Syracuse, Jecko played in 68 games, collecting 217 saves and posting a career goals against average of 1.31. As a senior, she helped her team win the ACC regular season and 2015 NCAA National Championship where she was named to the All-Tournament Team. In her junior season, the Orange were the NCAA Runner-Ups and won the BIG EAST title during her freshman campaign.
"In addition to executing our goalkeeping program, Jess will join in with the recruiting responsibilities, practice and game tactical analysis, as well supporting our daily commitment to program, team, and individual communication and growth as Duke continues to strive and obtain consistent National prominence," Bustin said.
"It's a privilege to be under the leadership of Pam Bustin," Jecko said. "Pam's been an inspiration to me since I was a college athlete. She's a thoughtful and enthusiastic boss who holds so much knowledge from her time both playing field hockey and leading teams. I'm thrilled to be working beside her and continuing to grow under her leadership."
Over the years, Jecko has coached at various places along with working numerous camps. She began coaching in 2013, working as an assistant coach with USA Field Hockey Futures until 2019. Following her graduation, Jecko stayed at her alma mater to serve as the volunteer assistant coach for the 2016-17 year. Jecko has also been a goalkeeper coach for the WC Eagles, Spooky Nook, Old Alex Colts and Irish Juniors National Team. She also served as a volunteer assistant at Washington College.
"Jess approaches her field hockey roles with a fierce focus and professionalism. I have been fortunate to witness her dedication to the sport as a student-athlete at Syracuse, as a member of our US National Team, and as a college coach. There is no doubt that her recent experiences as each, coupled with her natural compassion, will serve as a great resource to our team members and will offer a unique perspective to our coaching staff. WELCOME BACK JESS!"
Jecko brings with her incredible experience on the international level as well as a member of the U.S. Women's National Team. While training and competing all over the world, the native of Clinton, N.Y., earned Player of the Match honors against Australia in 2019 and Queen of the Match recognition versus Korea at the Four Nations Women's Ibaraki International Tournament in 2018.
Jecko graduated from Syracuse in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in child and family studies. While a student-athlete, Jecko was named to the Dean's List and ACC Honor Roll while representing her team for three years on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
"As a former ACC athlete, it feels like coming home to be back in the ACC. I am excited to work beside Pam, Wes and Ralph to elevate this team to compete for the ACC championship this season. Thank you to Pam, Wes and Ralph, and Duke Athletics for this opportunity. Go Blue Devils! "
#GoDuke
Jecko returns to Durham following one season as an assistant coach at Dartmouth College. The Big Green returned to the field hockey field for the first time since the fall of 2019 and Jecko was instrumental in leading Dartmouth through a challenging 2021 campaign.
"I am proud and excited to announce the return of Jess Jecko to the 2022 Duke field hockey staff as an assistant coach. Jess served as a committed and enthusiastic volunteer coach throughout the 2020 season and now returns to Duke after coaching the 2021 season with the Dartmouth College field hockey program."
"I'm thrilled to be re-joining the Blue Devil community this spring," said Jecko. "Duke field hockey was incredibly welcoming to me when I was there in 2020-2021, so I am ecstatic to be able to return to Durham. Duke's culture has always produced dedicated, high-performing athletes. I know the team continued to grow last season and I'm looking forward to being part of the future of Duke field hockey."
Jecko returns to the ACC following her collegiate career at Syracuse in which she played from 2012-15. After graduating in 2016, Jecko was a member of the USA Women's National Team and competed in the Field Hockey Pro League for two seasons. A standout goaltender for Syracuse, Jecko will work closely with Duke's talented quarter of goalies this upcoming season.
"Jess's passion for the coaching profession and for all aspects of the game made this decision an easy one," Bustin said. "Jess understands the Duke True program philosophy and shares in the values in which we live and play. With her specialty in goalkeeping, Jess, alongside volunteer coach and Duke alum Sammi Steele, will have her hands full as we welcome goalkeepers Grace Brightbill, Piper Hampsch, Charlotte Johnson, and freshman Abby Spear to the field this fall."
During her time in the cage at Syracuse, Jecko played in 68 games, collecting 217 saves and posting a career goals against average of 1.31. As a senior, she helped her team win the ACC regular season and 2015 NCAA National Championship where she was named to the All-Tournament Team. In her junior season, the Orange were the NCAA Runner-Ups and won the BIG EAST title during her freshman campaign.
"In addition to executing our goalkeeping program, Jess will join in with the recruiting responsibilities, practice and game tactical analysis, as well supporting our daily commitment to program, team, and individual communication and growth as Duke continues to strive and obtain consistent National prominence," Bustin said.
"It's a privilege to be under the leadership of Pam Bustin," Jecko said. "Pam's been an inspiration to me since I was a college athlete. She's a thoughtful and enthusiastic boss who holds so much knowledge from her time both playing field hockey and leading teams. I'm thrilled to be working beside her and continuing to grow under her leadership."
Over the years, Jecko has coached at various places along with working numerous camps. She began coaching in 2013, working as an assistant coach with USA Field Hockey Futures until 2019. Following her graduation, Jecko stayed at her alma mater to serve as the volunteer assistant coach for the 2016-17 year. Jecko has also been a goalkeeper coach for the WC Eagles, Spooky Nook, Old Alex Colts and Irish Juniors National Team. She also served as a volunteer assistant at Washington College.
"Jess approaches her field hockey roles with a fierce focus and professionalism. I have been fortunate to witness her dedication to the sport as a student-athlete at Syracuse, as a member of our US National Team, and as a college coach. There is no doubt that her recent experiences as each, coupled with her natural compassion, will serve as a great resource to our team members and will offer a unique perspective to our coaching staff. WELCOME BACK JESS!"
Jecko brings with her incredible experience on the international level as well as a member of the U.S. Women's National Team. While training and competing all over the world, the native of Clinton, N.Y., earned Player of the Match honors against Australia in 2019 and Queen of the Match recognition versus Korea at the Four Nations Women's Ibaraki International Tournament in 2018.
Jecko graduated from Syracuse in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in child and family studies. While a student-athlete, Jecko was named to the Dean's List and ACC Honor Roll while representing her team for three years on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
"As a former ACC athlete, it feels like coming home to be back in the ACC. I am excited to work beside Pam, Wes and Ralph to elevate this team to compete for the ACC championship this season. Thank you to Pam, Wes and Ralph, and Duke Athletics for this opportunity. Go Blue Devils! "
#GoDuke
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