'94 Champs, Catching up with Carole Thate

With field hockey celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the program's 1994 national championship, we catch up with several members of the squad to learn more about where they are now, how JMU and JMU Athletics has shaped their lives and what special memories they carry with them from that magical season. This week, we focus on Honda Award winner, Olympian and JMU Hall of Famer Carole Thate. The entire 1994 field hockey squad will be the first team to be inducted into the JMU Hall of Fame on Champions Weekend, Nov. 21, 2014.

What specific memories do you have from the 1994 season, both in the regular season and the postseason?

I entered JMU in 1993 and my decision to go and play for JMU was because I was convinced that with Christy as the coach, assisted by Laurie Carol, Pam Neiss and many others, the highly motivated staff was dedicated to make a difference. Even though I had to first prove myself to the rest of team, they were afraid that I was another talented but selfish, fragile and not hardworking international student, I really enjoyed the great group of teammates who became and some have remained true friends. With these close relationships, the building towards the 1994 Championship started with my experiences in 1993 and was elevated to a higher level in 1994.

At what point of the season did you get the feeling that this could build into something special?

I do not remember every game, but a couple of upsets to teams such as ODU and games that JMU normally never won, gave the group some extra power to believe that we belong up there.

What were your thoughts and emotions entering the championship game? How do you remember your emotions evolving as the game progressed?

We were eager to play and win. I personally remember that as soon as I heard that we could win a ring, in The Netherlands we do not have a ring as a prize for a championship, we all had 'the ring' as a target. With this in mind when we entered the season, being in the final we went after it! I also remember that the game was exhausting as we fought like crazy for every inch on the field. Overall, we were dedicated to win and willing to fight for it together.

Describe your emotions once penalty strokes finished and the realization struck that you were national champions?

We were so happy and celebrated this as a team. It was a true team effort winning the championship. The final with its double overtime and strokes could not have better depicted how hard we fought as a team that entire season. We finally accomplished something nobody expected from us, and that was an awesome realization.

What the national championship your favorite game from the 1994 season or does another stand out?

My overall memory of JMU Field Hockey is that I enjoyed the atmosphere and the hard-working, ambitious and fearless people. I enjoyed the entire process, not only our result. To me, the actual Championship memory consists of all the 3 years that I played, studied, made friends and had fun at JMU.

Aside from just the 1994 season, what are some of your overall favorite JMU Field Hockey memories?

One of my favorite memories is the parent power brought to each game. The enormous support and enthusiasm of all the parents was overwhelming. Another great memory I have is the road trips. Coming from a small country like The Netherlands, I found the trips enjoyable. Even the times when Kelley Fisher had to pee again, after we had just hit the road. In general, I really enjoyed working with all the people who were part of the JMU family. From all the coaches, trainers, even Greg (I still don't lift more than the bar) to the lovely Casey Carter, Chumley, teachers, parents and of course teammates, classmates and fellow athletes. Going to JMU and being part of the field hockey program was one of the best experiences in my life.

Did the championship team have any pregame rituals/traditions? If yes, what were they?

We always played lots of music pregame to get us pumped up and ready to play.

Did you have a nickname on the team? If yes, what was it? If not, who had the best one?

To pronounce my first and last name correctly was already a challenge for many people. We did often address each other as dude throughout the years.

Coach Morgan left JMU field hockey for a period of time and returned this year. What are your thoughts on her return to the program?

It is great for her to be back and for JMU to have her back. It is like she never left. I hope that she can make the program work for her and lift it up to the level she believes it should be. Knowing her a little bit, even though she is realistic she would of course love to go for a title again.

What impact do you expect Coach Morgan to make upon her return to the program?

She already has made a great impact and had even better results. I assume that she will make people work a little bit harder than normal, not only because of the punishment but mainly because she invests a lot of her time and energy in the team. The players will realize, much like I did, you want to give her all your best.

How much do you follow the current JMU field hockey team either by attending games or via JMUSports.com or social media?

Mainly because Christy returned as a head coach, I enjoy following the team on social media. I frequently check for updates on twitter and JMUSports.com and I am always happy for them when they do well.

How much contact have you maintained with Coach Morgan and the other championship team players?

Due to the great invention of Facebook, it is relatively simple to stay in touch. I really enjoy reading about the lives of all my former teammates and coaches. It is great to have the ability to see their families, kids growing up and share with them my family and our life. I have been fortunate enough to see Christy a couple of times the past 20 years, at weddings, reunions at JMU and sometimes during my visits in the United States.

How often do you return to campus or when was the last time you returned?

I have been back about three times. The last time I believe was at the reunion 10 years ago.

Does field hockey still play a role is your life? If so, how?

After JMU, I played on our National Team until the Olympics in Sydney. After that, I retired and in recent years, I have started to play again, in the Veterans. Additionally, I am the vice president of the Dutch Hockey Federation. So yes field hockey still does play a decent role in my life.

What did you first do after graduating from JMU? (personally and/or professionally)

After graduating in 1996, I returned to the Netherlands. Upon returning I had the opportunity to play for The Netherlands during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and won the bronze medal. Following the Olympics, I furthered my education in Amsterdam, completing my masters in child neuropsychology.

What are your current professional endeavors?

For the past15 years, I have served as the international director of the Johan Cruyff Foundation. Additionally, for the past few years I have been a member of the Cruyff Management. Johan Cruyff was one of the best soccer players in the world. He and I began the foundation years ago and are still working on growing and becoming more active within The Netherlands and many other countries. If interested in learning more about my foundation visit our website, www.cruyff-foundation.org.

Where do you currently reside?

I live with my partner Alyson Annan and sons Sam (7) and Cooper (6) in The Netherlands, in the city called Amstelveen, only half an hour away from Amsterdam.

What do you like to do with your time outside of work/obligations?

Our two boys play soccer and field hockey. We enjoy watching, driving and supporting them. Alyson is very much involved in field hockey. She coaches the men of Amsterdam, and the Dutch women under 21. If possible and if I don't have to play myself, I like to also watch some of those games.

Calendar

JMU Footer

Scoreboard

Calendar

Upcoming Event: Field Hockey versus American on April 4, 2026 at All Day

Upcoming Event: Field Hockey versus Virginia on April 4, 2026 at All Day

Upcoming Event: Field Hockey at Towson on April 11, 2026 at All Day

Upcoming Event: Field Hockey versus Bucknell on April 11, 2026 at All Day

Upcoming Event: Field Hockey versus William & Mary on April 12, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Field Hockey versus DC Dragons on April 18, 2026 at 1 p.m.

Upcoming Event: Field Hockey at Maryland on April 25, 2026 at 1 p.m.

James Madison University | Official Athletics Site

'94 Champs, Catching up with Carole Thate

Related News

Related Videos

JMU Footer