Kim Cosenza grew up in a family surrounded by athletics.

Her dad was a football and baseball coach, which meant she was immersed in it.

Whether it directly influenced her future career path as she now leads the Fitchburg State field hockey team, Cosenza is using that opportunity to influence her female student-athletes on and off the field.

Cosenza’s path to life as a college student-athlete was different than most. A two-sport athlete, Cosenza closed out her high school career in interesting fashion by taking a gap year before college in Holland. It was following that trip, she began to look into her future and what that might be.

“I had just done a gap year in Holland, playing field hockey, learning Dutch and exploring Europe,” Cosenza said. “Being from Fitchburg, I was looking for a Division III school, close to home, where I could play field hockey. I visited some friends and just loved the community feel, close-knit campus, and the people I met. I only applied to Worcester State because I am an all or nothing type of person. I was late in the recruiting game having just returned to the states in the spring, but Coach Guiney gave me a chance, which I will always be grateful. It is the very reason that I will always take a walk on, even if my roster is full.”

A standout defender for the Lancers’ field hockey team, Cosenza earned a spot on the Little East All-Conference team and named a National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-Star her senior season. Although field hockey is a LEC sport, she enjoyed the chance to play teams from all over New England and play a competitive schedule.

If Cosenza had to break down her time as a student-athlete, it came down to three of her favorite things…preseason, competition and the relationships.

“First, while everyone hates preseason, most student-athletes also love it,” Cosenza said. “It is the time that you find your identity as a team, break down walls and exceed your own expectations. This is a time when you welcome new members to your family and work together to do things that you did not think you were capable of. Second, there is nothing like that feeling you get when you are wearing your home uniform, lined up on the field, under the lights. That moment right before the whistle blows and all becomes silent as if time stands still. Lastly, and by far the best part of being a student-athletes are the relationships that are formed with staff, professors, the athletic department, coaches and friends. These people become your family and since then I have had the privilege of attending their weddings, meeting their babies, and working with some at WSU. I still keep in touch with so many friends and coaches from WSU, including one of the most amazing maintenance staff that took care of our building every day with a smile.”

Cosenza graduated in 2009 from Worcester State with her degree in health education and headed to Springfield College for her masters where she got her first experience in coaching as an assistant with the field hockey program. After graduation with her masters in athletic administration, she moved on to Elms College and her first head-coaching job.

In 2015, Consenza returned to her alma mater to take over the helm of the Lancers’ field hockey program. During her tenure, Kim led the Lancers to their first appearance in the LEC semi-final field hockey post-season tournament since 2006, while having 11 players recognized by the NFHCA during the 2015 season.

Being a Fitchburg native, landing as the next head coach of the Falcons seemed like a natural career progression following her stint at Worcester State. Cosenza was hired as the second head coach in program history following Coach Beth Bacher’s departure. Knowing the history of the program, Cosenza was ready for the challenge as the new skipper.

“Coach Bacher is an incredible coach who led a program rich in tradition, hard work and success,” Cosenza said. “When we hold alumni events, athletes reminisce about the many amazing memories that they have with Coach Bacher. I also remember playing against FSU as an athlete and how no matter the record of either team, it was always a competitive game due to the long-standing rivalry of the two programs. It is an honor to follow the footsteps of such an accomplished coach, such as Coach Bacher, and she sure has some big shoes to fill. My goal has always been to keep traditions going and hopefully continue to build on the strong foundation that her and her athletes have left for us.”

As with many coaches within the MASCAC, Cosenza wears many hats outside of coaching. She is an elementary school teacher and a partner with three kids under the age of four at home. While there may be pressure coming from every angle, her experience as a student-athlete prepared her to be ready for anything. She also remains linked to her alma mater as a member of the Worcester State Athletics Hall of Fame committee.

Now several years into her coaching career, Cosenza embraces her role as not only a college coach but as someone who is influencing future female generations.

“It (coaching) is the most rewarding job you can do and your athletes will change your life just as much as your coaches had an impact on you,” Cosenza said. “Be a part of encouraging incredible young woman to find their best selves and encourage them to exceed their goals both on and off the field. Take the opportunity to teach the next generation that they are strong, that they are enough, and that they matter.”