Where were you before you came to Tufts?
I played collegiate field hockey at Boston University and was a coach at Holy Cross.
What are your goals for the season?
My goals are to be at the top of the NESCAC, to be one of the competitive teams in the league. With the talent we have, I want to have a record above .500. A lot of our losses this past year were one goal losses, so we need to see what we can do to turn that around.
How important is it to have former head coach Carol Rappoli on as assistant coach?
She's been great so far in helping me get acclimated because while I've coached Div. I and Div. II, she's been great for the transition to Div. III. We have similar personalities in that we both want what is best for the team. She works more with the defense while I work with the offense, so I think we'll balance each other out.
How much will the system change?
I'm not sure because I've never seen her coach, but my expectations are going to be high and I think they should be because I have a great group of athletes. I'm an intense person, but I'm very positive and I always like to have a good laugh. So my players won't be nervous playing for me, but they know I expect a lot.
What have been your impressions so far?
Personality wise, they are all great people. They seem very positive and get along very well with each other. All the athletes really enjoy being at school at Tufts and enjoy being an athlete here, but at the same time they know that we're here for school. Athletics is a huge part of their experience, but not everything. The girls have been awesome and I'm very excited for the season.
What do you like most about field hockey?
The competitiveness; I'm competitive in anything I'm doing, whether it's playing field hockey or playing cards.
What would you be doing if you weren't coaching?
I'd probably be a high school teacher or pursuing playing field hockey at the Olympic level.
Do you feel pressure coming in after Carol who has coached for such a long time?
No, because I feel very confident in my abilities as a player and a coach, and by having her I'm just getting that extra added bonus. She knows what has worked in the past and she knows the teams in the league, so with my new style of coaching, she'll definitely be an added bonus. She can offer advice because she's been there and done that.
How do you think you can help the team improve?
I'm not used to losing. I've never been on a losing team in high school, college, and while coaching. I think they can be a little more intense, especially at practice. I want them going into a game having a mental edge, knowing we've worked hard all week and what we've been doing is going to carry over into the games to be successful.
What's you're favorite thing about Tufts so far?
The people. I cannot get over how welcoming and classy they've been. Everyone's been so great, popping in and giving me tips about everything. The mentality is that we're in it together, and you can really tell everyone loves working here. It's the easiest transition of my life, and I've enjoyed going to work every single day so far.
- Aman Gupta
