Legendary coach loses cancer battle, but her spirit lives on

Working with high school kids is a privilege that comes with substantial responsibilities. That reality was never lost on Patsy Kamercia, longtime physical-education teacher and field hockey coach at HaddamKillingworth High School in Higganum.

Coach Kamercia always approached her job with the utmost professionalism, inspiration, and love during every one of the 35 years she taught, and 41 years she coached at H-K.

Last week, Patsy Kamercia, 69, died after a brave battle with a rare cancer that affects the bone marrow and blood. Her passing was felt by the scores of players, students, colleagues, and friends who knew Patsy because, quite simply, she defined everything that was right about public schools and athletics.

“She was one of the best people I knew, someone who would be completely honest with you because she loved and cared for you,” wrote a former player in a typical Facebook tribute. “She was someone who pushed you to be your best. Someone who also just loved you, as is. Thank you for teaching me how to be an athlete, teammate, sister, friend, and daughter. You were a second mom to me.”

Coach Kamercia was indeed a pioneer — a true role model for girls — as she became the first-ever woman to serve as athletic director at a Connecticut public school, a feat earning her induction into the Connecticut Athletic Directors Hall of Fame. Subsequently, she was also inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame, the Connecticut State Coaches’ Hall of Fame, and the HaddamKillingworth Hall of Fame. She was, quite simply, a successful woman who embodied confidence and who instilled that same selfassurance in her players.

“She was passionate, loving, and full of grace, while also being perfectly tough and fiercely competitive,” noted Kelley Devlin, a former player and 2005 H-K grad. “She turned my timid little freshman self into a confident athlete. She gave everything to her teams and was so intentional in helping us create awesome memories and building strong friendships.”

The coach’s success on the field was obvious. She won 461 total games, 16 Shoreline Conference championships, and four state championships, including last year’s Class S title shared with Westbrook.

Hartford Courant reporter Lori Riley explained that Coach Kamercia “opted not to tell her team of her diagnosis last year. She wanted them to enjoy their season. And about a month after the Cougars tied Westbrook 1-1 in overtime for the Class S state championship, she finally told them.”