The recent death of a former University of Vermont field hockey player hit close to home for Kelly McClintock, Rice’s second-year coach.
Stirling Winder passed away in July after a courageous battle with Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer. She was 26. McClintock and Winder were teammates when Winder was first diagnosed during her freshman year with the Catamounts.
“She had an impact on everyone, because she loved the game,” McClintock said. “She played with passion.”
McClintock said the Green Knights have dedicated the season to Winder, who still played 25 games in her Catamount career despite fighting the cancer. McClintock and Winder helped UVM tie a school record for wins (12) in 2007, the last time the program reached the America East tournament.
“She played every game (at UVM) like it was her last, making it count,” McClintock said. “That is our focus this year, making ever game, every moment count.”
