While preparing for its first games of the 2025 season, the Bentley field hockey team had the opportunity to meet with legendary coach Anne Parmenter.

After 36 years of coaching at Connecticut College and Trinity College, Parmenter was inducted into the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame in 2019. She ranks in the top 50 all-time winningest coaches among NCAA field hockey coaches. A native of England, Parmenter graduated from Chelsea College with a degree in education. She earned her master's degree from the University of Massachusetts.

At Connecticut College, Parmenter was assistant athletic director, head women's lacrosse coach, and head field hockey Coach for 14 seasons. Her teams competed in the ECAC Division III New England Championship six times.

At Trinity, Parmenter also served as an assistant women's lacrosse coach for 13 seasons, and she was promoted to full professor of physical education. She was also the college's Senior Women Administrator. In 22 seasons as the head field hockey Coach at Trinity, she received the NESCAC and NFCA Regional Coach of the Year award multiple times. 
 
WHAT FALCONS ARE SAYING
"I am so grateful Anne was able to share with our team her story about conquering Mt. Everest. Her story is rich with lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and character. She is a great story teller, valued friend, and a legendary field hockey coach!"

- Jessica Spencer, Bentley Head Coach
 
"One takeaway I had from listening to Anne's story was you cannot take the game for granted. Just like on Mt. Everest, if you make one slip or mistake, everything you worked for can be gone. Mental toughness is about pushing through everything and being grateful for the opportunity."

- Annie Lorenz, Bentley Junior
 
"The question 'When do you stand up?'  stood out to me. Sometimes, even when it's uncomfortable, you need to push back and stand strong in your values and for what you believe is right. In contrast to Anne's 2004 expedition and her 2006 climb, she experienced the power of a supportive, selfless team where you looked out for each other. It was a powerful reminder of the difference that integrity, courage and teamwork can make in any walk of life. Also, these three pieces of advice: be a good person, surround yourself with good friends, and work hard."

- Lindsey Jacobs, Junior