Cicale excited to take over as Bordentown’s athletic director

Over the last several years, Jen Cicale has been continuing her education with an eye toward an administrative position, while at the same time, keeping a close watch on the field hockey program at Nottingham.

Now she’s taking the next step in athletic administration.

Cicale is leaving Nottingham to take over as the athletic director at Bordentown High. She replaces Ernie Covington, who left Bordentown to take over for the departing Bud Kowal at Ewing.

“Over the past eight years, I’ve built friendships, bonds and formed relationships with students, staff and administration,” Cicale said. “However, I could not let this opportunity pass me by.”

Upon a visit last spring to the Scotties’ complex, Cicale was not only impressed with the people, but the facilities at Bordentown as both aided in the decision.

“Serving in the role of Assistant Principal of Athletics in Bordentown affords me the opportunity to not only be a school leader, it allows me to stay involved in athletics as well as health and physical education,” she said.

It wasn’t an easy decision, though, to step away from the game she has been around for as long as she can remember. Her dad, Barry, was the former coach at Hamilton.

“I’m sure I will miss being on the field,” Cicale said. “I have the opportunity here to still stop by and watch practice. I will miss the athletes I had a chance to coach the most and seeing them be successful and watching them grow.”

Cicale is ready to drop the coaches whistle and begin the next challenge.

“I feel the biggest challenge will be building that bond with the student-athletes,” Cicale said. “It is easier to form that bond when you have them in class or see them on the field. Getting in touch with student athletes and parents, learning more about them off the field and being a support system for them is what I plan to work on. I want to create a real community, so they know that I am here for their needs and support. The administration here at Bordentown has been extremely helpful, easing the transition into this new role.”

The position of field hockey coach at Nottingham will be filled by Jessie Mull, who was an assistant under Cicale.