The grass was real, as were the bumps and the dirt.
The kilts were still plaid, and the goalies didn’t always wear safety equipment. Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter were running for president, disco music was popular, and Sue Butz was 22 years old in her first season as Emmaus girls field hockey coach.
The Green Hornets finished second in the first PIAA state tournament two years earlier, in 1974, so Emmaus did have a winning tradition before Butz, who eventually married and became Sue Butz-Stavin.
Some things change. Some things never change.
Earlier this month, Butz-Stavin began her 50th season, which began with a 5-0 win over Easton. The grass is now fake, but better for playing. The uniforms have a different look. Presidents have changed frequently over the years, but Butz-Stavin remains a constant.
Sue Butz-Stavin, the Emmaus High School field hockey coach, guides her team during a game against Bethlehem Catholic High School Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Bethlehem Catholic High School. Stavin is entering her 50th year coaching. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)
She has presided over the nation’s most successful program, having won 1,092 games and 15 state titles in the toughest state in the country. She has compiled many amazing numbers, but she still has her enthusiasm.
“In 1976, I was meeting a bunch of young ladies for the first time. I was a little nervous,” Butz-Stavin said. “Here I am. I’m still at it. I still love the game. I love to share the passion of the sport and watch the young girls grow into young ladies. It’s all kind of an adventure and has its own reward. I just love to see the kids and how they compete. … We all make sacrifices out there and work on life skills that they can take into life.”
She has retained several former players as loyal assistant coaches and enjoys a fanbase of parents who have gone through the program and watch their daughters play for Butz-Stavin.
“It’s been a wonderful journey,” Butz-Stavin said. “Some of [the former players] became lifelong friends.”
One of those lifelong friends is her husband Bob Stavin, whom she met on a golf course. Stavin is a regular at games and knows the players well. The players know him well
Had someone told her on that bright August day of her first practice in 1976 that she would be answering questions about starting Year 50 in 2025, she would not have believed it.
Who would have believed it?
“Probably not,” she said. “I did get an attachment to the program. I’ve dedicated myself to Emmaus field hockey. I have a very supportive husband. He’s there for me and for the team.”
Emmaus is again the favorite to win another championship, but a pack led by Easton, Nazareth and Parkland hope to disappoint the Green Hornets.
BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC
Key players: sr. GK Lilla Berces, sr. M Kurmun Thakral.
Outlook: “We’re growing in numbers,z” coach Regan Downey said. “We’re excited to see how hard work translates into the field.”
EASTON
Key players: f. Jillian Relvas, f. Allison Clark (Millersville), sr. f Olivia Milia (Colgate), m. Maddie Hynes, d. Emily Materna (Hood).
Outlook: Having to replace a solid midfielder and goaltender from last year’s state quarterfinalist will not be easy, but the Rovers have the program that replenishes. “With losing some strong players to graduation we definitely have our work cut out for us to close the gap and are looking to our experienced returning seniors to help do so,” coach Casey Eck said.
EMMAUS
Key players: sr. F Addison Povilaitis (Monmouth University), sr. M Avery Burnett (Columbia University), jr. F Gracie Huffer, jr. GK Emily Romano.
Outlook: The Hornets are in strong position for another state tournament run, having lost only two seniors from last year’s state semifinalist.
FREEDOM
Key players: sr. M Carly Kuehner (Franklin and Marshall), sr. F Karee Vandever (Fairleigh Dickinson University for lacrosse), jr. M Ivy Avitabile, jr. D Madeline Gasper.
Outlook: Patriots hoping to move forward in both EPC and District 11 tournaments.
LIBERTY
Key players: sr. M Julianna Zumas (Rider), sr. F Elis Cor (Gardner Webb for lacrosse), sr. GK Abigail Mayes, sr. M Lily Weaver: Lily Weaver, jr. M Emerson Dougherty.
Outlook: “The key, at the beginning of the season, is developing all the game sense, awareness, and endurance that you know you will have at the end. We have players who are developing and running drills and working on defining leadership with true experience. Regardless of results, this team has been a pleasure to sit down and write a preview about.”
NAZARETH
Key players: jr. M Gabby King, jr. F Morgan Koch (Fairfield University), jr. D Emma McEntire, sr. F Gianna Perillo, sr. M Vivian Werner, Abbey Major (Fairleigh Dickinson University).
Outlook from coach Marissa Rotz: “We graduated a decent number of Varsity starters from last season, but are excited for the new season. The team has been working really hard and continuing to focus on communication, off ball movement, and field awareness. We need to continue to put forth maximum effort. Overall, they are a positive and energetic team that has been working together and staying united.”
NORTHAMPTON
Key players: sr. M Grace Roberts, (Lock Haven U), sr. F Lauren Reznick, soph. M Madi Williamson, 10.
Outlook: “We have 8 seniors on the team this year, and they have a lot of playing experience collectively,” coach Carrie Saul said. “We want them to continue to work together in order to go deeper in the playoffs. … The players on this team are versatile and can play multiple positions. The bench is not deep (25 players for V and JV), so at the varsity or JV level, all athletes will get a lot of playing time to develop their skills.”
PARKLAND
Key players: sr. F Jenna Mayer, jr. M Lila Temchatin.
Outlook: “This year our motto is ‘Push Past Impossible,’ ” coach Julie Nelson said. “We’ve been close, we’ve been contenders. Now it’s time to conquer. We’re not chasing greatness anymore — we’re claiming it. This is the year we push past impossible.”
PLEASANT VALLEY
Key players: jr. M Emma DePalma, jr. D Evelyn VanDerheyden, jr. D Meadow Hale, jr. GK Emilynn Stipeck, jr. F Gabby Kutzler.
Outlook: “This year’s team is smaller and led by our junior class – I expect a lot of growth. There is a fair amount of talent and they are eager to learn and improve – as they gain experience I look forward to seeing what they can generate as a team.”
STROUDSBURG
Key players: wing Grace Coyne, wing Cailin Mignosi, back Georgie English.
Outlook: “We had a great spring and summer with great turnout, effort, and desire,” coach Lois Groff said. “Our seniors are wonderful leaders and working hard and our underclassmen are a great group. We are looking forward to a lot of growth and team play.”
WHITEHALL
Key players: sr. M Josephine Shultz, sr. F Molly McFetridge, jr. F Kerigan Dreisbach.
Outlook: “Our focus this year is on sharpening the fundamentals, clean receptions, strong passes, creating space, and smart ball movement,” coach Gabi Smith said. “The players are working hard every day to master these skills, grow together, and step onto the field ready to compete at the highest level.”
Tim Shoemaker is a freelance writer.