Coach Kristyna Lange is our field hockey coach and a P.E. teacher, but she is also a member of the Puerto Rican national team. Lange has sparked new motivation for young athletes by how she is able to be successful in her career while also participating in a sport that she loves.
“I started playing field hockey officially in the summer going into 8th grade,” said Lange. “In middle school, I tried out my 6th and 7th grade year for the team and made it to the last round of cuts before getting cut. As a young kid, I didn’t understand why [I did not make the team] and my Dad told me if I really wanted to play, I needed to get serious about the sport.”
Lange has been working hard in her sport since then. Proving not only to herself that she was capable, but also to her friends, peers, and her family. In doing so, she has made herself an inspiration for our field hockey players.
“She inspired me to raise my self-esteem and believe in myself when I play [so] that I will be able to block any shot,” said senior Nicole Byrd. “Coach Lange being able to push me has given me the ability to believe in myself and do my best every game.”
Not only has Lange taken it upon herself to coach and inspire young athletes, but she was also an athlete here at Salem during her high school years.
“I played for Salem all four years of high school and coming in as a freshman and being put on the varsity team was a huge deal,” said Lange. “Salem was not known for their field hockey team and had a reputation for being one of the worst teams in the Beach. However, knowing this only pushed me to get better. It also teaches you to propel through adversity and understand that even if you do lose, there is always something good that comes from it.”
Even though Lange has proven herself to be an amazing player and coach, she wants students to know that she did not get to where she is now alone.
“I had two different coaches during my time at Salem and the last coach that I had, Mrs. Szilassy changed my life,” said Lange. “She is one of the many reasons why I coach field hockey at Salem and for her club team. Szilassy is also why I wanted to play in college. Her love for the sport is contagious and not only was she teaching us field hockey, she taught us life lessons and how to be respectful young women. One lesson I learned is that playing a sport isn’t always about winning!”
The preparation she went through in high school with her teammates and with Szilassy further contributed to Lange’s career in sports.
“Coach Lange has always been driven, and her competitive nature, along with her resiliency, are still intact,” said Szilassy. “She was very much a go-getter with a fiery personality, which is presently visible in all that she does. Being able to work with Kristyna at Salem has been an absolute joy. I am proud of her focus and her role as a leader here within the building.”
Lange went on to play Division 2 field hockey at Newberry College in South Carolina.
“I loved every second of being a college athlete. I experienced many achievements over my time there, and I wouldn’t change it for the world!” said Lange.
With the exceptional coaching that Lange experienced throughout her high school career with Szilassy, and her college career at Newberry in South Carolina, she was able to advance her skills and eventually was given the opportunity to join the Puerto Rican National team.
“After college, I had no intention of continuing to play field hockey,” said Lange. “Most college athletes don’t get to continue playing after college, so I had already come to the realization that I would not be playing anymore. I thought my time playing was done and now it was time for me to share my wealth of knowledge with other athletes who want to play field hockey.”
Lange was on a coaching trip when the national team’s coach reached out to our club team asking if they knew of anyone who would like to try out for the Puerto Rican National team.
“I took the offer not thinking I would make the national team,” said Lange. “I was a retired college athlete who was no longer focused on playing anymore, but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity so, I thought, why not? I ended up making the team and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!”
Every day, Lange sets an example for young athletes and she hopes to inspire more students within our community to go out there, try something new, and to put their best effort into their sport.
“Take any and all opportunities you can to get better every day, SunDevils,” said Lange.
