Photo by Dartmouth Allumni Magazine

Head coach since 1991, Paul Vosburgh has brought St. John Fisher College into the postseason for the past 13 seasons. Vosburgh led the Cardinals to a share of the Empire 8 title in 2014 for the fifth time in program history. He is very knowledgeable of the sport and relatable for his players. The relationships built on his team last long after graduation.

9) Andy Shay, Yale University Men's Lacrosse

As the head coach of the Yale University men's lacrosse team, Andy Shay has had great success with the Bulldogs. He has been able to recruit strong talent to the program and motivate his team towards success.

8) Tom Campbell, Roger Williams University Women's Rugby

Tom Campbell, the head coach for Roger Williams University's women's rugby team, is revered by his team for being the most respectable and devoted coach they've ever had. Having won the national championship in 2014, Campbell's devotion has brought the Hawks to a whole new level.

7) Nancy Stevens, University of Connecticut Field Hockey

In her 38th season as a head coach, and 27th season at University of Connecticut, Nancy Stevens has brought the Huskies to field hockey greatness. With 2 national championships and a .771 career winning percentage, Steven's dedication to the Huskies' program has obviously paid-off. She loves the sport and she loves the huskies, and that's why her team loves her.

6) Tina McDavitt Mattera, Tufts University Field Hockey

Head coach of the 2012 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Champions at Tufts University, Tina McDavitt Mattera has guided the Jumbos to six NCAA appearances overall. This title also represented the first NCAA title won by a women's team at Tufts. Mattera ranks 6th on the NCAA Div. III winningest active coaches list and winningest all-time coaches list with a .764 percentage. Her team loves her for her understanding as they navigate their athletic and academic balance, and how much fun she makes their training.

5) Steve Dolan, University of Pennsylvania Track & Field/Cross Country

Steve Dolan is currently in his fifth season as the Director of Track & Field/Cross Country at the University of Pennsylvania in 2016-17. In each of his first four seasons, the Quakers have broken or matched the school record for NCAA Outdoor qualifiers and produced at least two All-Americans. His team sites his diverse track and field background as the basis for his holistic understanding of the sport and strong role in the head coach position.

4) Roberto Vives, University of Albany Track & Field/Cross Country

Roberto Vives is in the midst of his 32nd season as the director of University Albany's track & field and cross country programs. He was chosen by USA Track & Field to serve as an assistant coach for the USA national team in San Jose, Costa Rica. Vives has led his team to 39 America East and three IC4A Championships since 2003, including a sweep of the men's and women's indoor and outdoor America East championships in 2014-15. His team praises the friendships that they've made with him, that extend long past graduation.

3) David Durden, University of California: Berkeley Swimming & Diving

David Durden, in the past 7 years, heading University of California: Berkeley's Swimming & Diving Team, has grasped 1st or 2nd at the NCAA championships. In 2016, he sent 6 of his team members to represent the USA in the Rio Olympic Games, where they earned 11 medals, 8 of which were gold. His team says that he's a joy to work with, has great knowledge of the sport, and is very innovative in his training techniques. With such great successes in his short, 10-year history in this position, it can only be expected that Durden will continue to push the Golden Bears to even greater heights.

2) Missy Meharg, University of Maryland Field Hockey

With 7 national championships under her belt, it is no wonder that Missy Meharg, the University of Maryland head field hockey coach, has made it to the top of our list. To list the accolades of athletic and coaching excellence that Meharg has earned would constitute the entire length of this article. She has created several teaching tapes for coaches with Championship Productions- she quite literally, wrote the book on coaching field hockey. The Terps reveal the secret to her success: passion. Meharg creates a familial atmosphere with her team and ignites their passion to push them towards success. 

*Check out our exclusive interview with Missy Meharg here.

1) Buddy Teevens, Dartmouth College Football

Buddy Teevens started has a 16-year history as head coach of the Dartmouth College Football Program. He led the Big Green to Ivy League championships in 1990, 1991, and 2015. Coach T, as his team calls him, beyond having a phenomenal history of success with Dartmouth Football, has a reputation for being a great person and role model for his team. His dedication to the sport is strong, but testimonial from his players proves that his dedication to the holistic betterment of his team members is even stronger.

* Originally published on February 23, 2017, by Alexandra Cerbone