A look at the coaches that are shaping the future trailblazers in New England.
From small-town rinks to college fields, coaching in the Northeast carries a sense of pride and purpose. It’s about community, hard work and pushing potential a little further each day. Success in sports often starts long before the bright lights and packed arenas. It begins with the coaches who show up every day to teach, guide and inspire. They’re the ones running early morning practices, driving team cultures and building confidence that lasts far beyond the season.
These coaches represent the strength and leadership fueling women’s sports across New England, turning lessons on the field into life skills to take on outside the world of sports.
Jennifer Hapanowicz, CEO & Founder, USA Elite Training LLC
In softball development, Jennifer Hapanowicz has built USA Elite Training into one of the top fastpitch programs in the region. She’s helped countless players reach collegiate and national levels through individualized instruction and athlete-centered coaching. Her approach emphasizes not just mechanics but confidence, showing young women that elite performance starts with belief in their ability.
Ashley Durepo, Head Coach, University of Southern Maine Women’s Lacrosse
As a USM alum turned head coach, Ashley Durepo has transformed the Huskies’ program into a model of steady growth and grit. Under Durepo’s leadership, the team has reached new levels of competitiveness within the Little East Conference. Durepo is known for her hands-on, encouraging style, prioritizing mentorship and resilience, fostering an environment where players are supported both on and off the field.
Kristi Huizenga, Head Coach, University of Vermont Women’s Soccer
Kristi Huizenga has become a driving force in the Catamounts’ rise within America East soccer. Huizenga’s teams are known for their composure, technical discipline and relentless work ethic, traits she instills through a culture of trust and accountability. Huizenga’s influence extends beyond match results; she’s committed to empowering women in sport and creating opportunities for players to lead purposefully.
These are some of the many coaches in the Northeast that have embodied what makes New England’s sports community unique: a dedication to growth, inclusion and the pursuit of excellence. Their impact reminds us that wins and losses don’t only measure success, but also the confidence and leadership they help build in every athlete they coach.