Raiders Start New Era Under Gareth Terrett

A new season has arrived for Colgate Field Hockey. But this one is different.

Not only do the Raiders have six first-years, and not only are the returning players eager to take the next step, but — for the first time in a decade — there is a new coaching staff as well, with Gareth Terrett at the helm.

The head coach took over the Raiders in April. He brings more than 20 years of coaching experience, with the last five seasons spent at Cornell, where Terrett served as an assistant coach who helped the Big Red rise into a top-20 nationally-ranked program.

He brings new energy and vision, and knowledge from having played and coached field hockey in the U.K. His goals include turning the Raiders into a consistent program and developing every student-athlete who wears the maroon and white jersey.

Terrett, who completed the Graduate Teaching Program at Cambridge University, has been busy from the moment he arrived at Colgate. From his introductory meeting with the team to traveling across the country to watch recruits at tournaments, it’s been a nonstop five months for Terrett.

He’s also assembled his staff, which is made up of new assistant coaches Brooke Hofsass and Claire Grenis, plus student manager Hayley Campbell, a former goalkeeper for the Raiders.

The experience, thus far, has been a thrilling one, as he learns more about his student-athletes on a personal level while building the classes that will join his program in the next two to three years.

Now, with the season opener days away, months of hard work have built up to this moment, and the excitement is at new heights.

Terrett spoke to Colgate Athletics at the start of the preseason, prior to the Raiders playing three exhibition games. He discussed the spring season and why he and his student-athletes are counting the days until Aug. 28, when they open the season by hosting New Haven.

The first game of the regular season is around the corner. How do you feel?

It’s very exciting. We have trained for a long time. We have been back a week and we have some scrimmages coming up. But everyone’s mind is focused the closer we get to the first game. Everyone is keen to develop. That’s very exciting. Playing at home, that’s obviously exciting. It’s my first match, the team’s first match together. It’s a new era. We are thrilled.

You began the role in April. How have your first five months gone?

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I really enjoyed the two weeks when we had the players. It was a lot of fun, getting to know everybody. We worked very hard. We played Syracuse and Cornell. Our progression during the two weeks was fantastic. We actually ended up drawing with Syracuse, which was an achievement. They’re a very talented program. Then the players disappeared and the summer came. The recruiting element, it was brilliant. I spent a lot of time going to the RCC (Regional Club Championships). I was watching a lot of people. I watched our new 2026 class and our 2027 class, and I started recruiting for 2028. That was fun to watch all that. We then went to the NCCs (National Club Championships) in Virginia Beach. That was good fun. I also spent a lot of time on the phone since June 15 talking with potential recruits. At the moment, we have 20 people coming in for unofficial visits. It’s good and exciting to bring people to Colgate. Colgate attracts people.”

What were your first interactions with the team? How did you meet the players?

For the first time, I was introduced in Reid 100. That was good fun, meeting them. They all asked interesting questions. Hayley Campbell (student manager) particularly asked interesting questions. That’s Hayley’s personality. We had good fun. The next day, we began training. We were ready to warm up, we were all ready to go, excited, new coach. And then, a clap of thunder. We had to go into the locker room, rightfully so. We spent a half an hour there. We had some discussions. It started off with field hockey, and then it was my favorite color, my favorite food, my favorite ice cream. And then there was some singing — not led by me at the slightest. And then we ended up back on the pitch and we trained for two weeks and the players were very coachable. They have taken on a lot of information very quickly. That’s really pleasing.

The 2026 incoming class was recruited by your predecessor. How did you meet those players? How did you learn more about them?

I had individual Zoom meetings with them all. I connected with them all. I then tried to see as many of them as possible. The RCCs, for example. I went to other things. I went to club training. I wasn’t able to see everyone. Aiden Cronk, who played in Canada. I’d love to go to Vancouver to see her play, but unfortunately I couldn’t make it. But we still connected with everyone. And they connected with each other. 

Based on everything you’ve seen, how does the team look so far?

Good. Exciting. We have some attacking talent. We will cause people problems. We continue to work on our defensive structure. We also are spending a lot of time together, bonding as a group. We did some team building things like high rope.

You recently rounded out your coaching staff. How does that feel?

It’s very exciting. Brooke is a fantastic player, fantastic coach. She is challenging the players. And then we brought in Claire, whose expertise is goalkeeping, but also has played Division I for five seasons and was a captain for two. She really adds to it. It’s nice to have the group together. The team behind the team is complete.

What are your Year 1 expectations?

In year one, stated goals are to win a Patriot League game. We haven’t won a Patriot League game in a number of years. And then win a number of games outside the Patriot League as well. But, as well as that, individual development. But the most important thing is fun. We are going to have fun together. Winning is more fun than losing.

Do you have a message or a philosophy that you often repeat to your team?

The one thing I stress is the fun element. We have to enjoy what we do, otherwise why do it? Sports should be fun. It should be a fun endeavor. And winning is more fun than losing. But also, the times you remember are the singing of the songs in the locker room or the journey somewhere. We will remember the winning and the games, but it’s the whole experience that we are keen on. 

Is there anything else you want to add about your experience at Colgate?

I’m really happy with the community around athletics and around Colgate. It’s very supportive. I have felt very welcomed. That’s been very helpful.

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