BOONE, N.C. - The App State Field Hockey community gathered together to honor the legendary Dr. Jan C. Watson, celebrating her lasting legacy and the impact she has had on the university and women's sports this past weekend. 
"This past weekend celebrating Jan was the best way to start off the season," said head coach Emily Dinsmore. "I told the team before our first game to go out there and win it for Jan! Our team also loved getting to interact with all the different alumni and supporters of our program. This will be a weekend we remember for years to come!"
Watson served as App State's first field hockey head coach, becoming the first woman coach at both App State and in Division I athletics in North Carolina. She is still the winningest coach in App State field hockey history, with a record of 157-65-32.
Watson's impact spreads off the field as well, as she served as a Professor Emerita of Health, Leisure, and Exercise Science, making impressions on hundreds of students and athletes throughout her tenure at App State.
The field hockey community showed up for Watson over the weekend as 150 people attended each event held in her honor. Alumnae from numerous sports showed up, as her influence in both the classroom and the field has impacted many.
Before the Mountaineers opening matchup against Towson last Friday, the playing surface was dedicated to Watson, the program's founder. Athletic Director Doug Gillin and Interim Chancellor Heather Norris gave remarks in regard to the dedication, both acknowledging the impact that Watson has had in women's sports at App State.
"We are grateful to be joined by these esteemed guests as we celebrate the tremendous legacy of App State Field Hockey and all of our women's sports at Appalachian State," said Gillin.
Following the shutout win against Towson, Watson and other field hockey players/alumni traveled to the Beaver College of Health Sciences, where a celebratory dinner was held in Watson's honor. Watson, Dinsmore and other alumni spoke at the dinner, expressing their appreciation for the roots that have been l
aid by Watson.
The following day, Dinsmore and field hockey alumnae were directed on the field, as they were recognized for their 56 years of resilience and dedication in an on-field ceremony during App State Football's home opener against ETSU.
Before the noon matchup against Georgetown, alumni gathered at the McKinney Alumni Center in support of Watson and all she has done for the university.
It would be a perfect end of the weekend for the Mountaineers, as they won again in shutout-fashion against Georgetown, 3-0. On top of that, seniors Charlotte Bosma and Claire Grenis would both receive MAC player-of-the-week honors for their performances last weekend.
The Mountaineers are headed on the road for the first time this season as they face off against the Richmond Spiders Friday at 5 p.m.
If you would like to make a gift in honor of Dr. Jan C. Watson, you can do so at this LINK.
