Madeline Beaman Felice
Class of 1982
Field Hockey
 
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education - Oneonta
Special Education Certification
Master of Education (Reading, emphasis in learning disabilities) – SUNY Potsdam
 
Athletic Bio
Four-year member of Field Hockey team (1978-81)
Team won NYAIAW and EAIAW Northeast Regional championship in 1979
Team qualified for AIAW national tournament twice during her career – Team placed 3^rd in 1979
Team compiled a 58-26 record during her four years
She led her team in scoring as a freshman and finished her career with 97 points
 
Professional Bio
Jefferson Rehabilitation Center – Special Education Teacher (1982-86)
Jefferson-Lewis BOCES – Special Education Teacher (1986-93)
South Jefferson School District – Special Education Teacher (1993-Present)
 
Personal Reflections
Being a member of the field hockey team helped me develop skills that I have used professionally and personally to live the "team concept" as an educator for the past 30+ years.  I always stress to my students on a daily basis to help each other and be a part of a team.
 
I have developed lifelong friendships with many of my teammates that include Allison Spagnoletti, Colleen Plantier, Jenny Spartz, Ginger Sonnegren, Karen Knauff and Diane Reby.
 
My nickname "Mad Dog" came from my crazy personality and enthusiasm and love for the sport of field hockey.  I lived for it!  I gave it my all in every practice and every game.  I drove my family nuts "talking" and "living" field hockey.
 
My trademark was the "scoop" goal, which won many matches for us.  When the ball came to me on a penalty corner, I would scoop it over my opponent and the goalie into the net.
 
My mom and dad and family were so amazingly supportive.  They drove to many games including Princeton, NJ in 1979 when we placed third at nationals.  They made me a responsible, loving, caring, educated, athletic, crazy woman!
 
I was privileged to have had two wonderful coaches while at Oneonta. Barbara Blodgett and Brenda Meese. They had different coaching strategies. However, they both loved field hockey and cared about their players. They both believed we could achieve greatness! They expected us to give our very best and therefore we did! They worked us hard and it paid off! I am so thankful for both of these determined and caring coaches.
 
I had wonderful professors at Oneonta that truly cared for their students. I wasn't always so into my education as I was into the sport of field hockey. However, due to the fact that I had such wonderful professors I received my degree in elementary education that has allowed me to become a teacher. I had dreamed and 'played' being a teacher since I was very young.
 
I will treasure my 4 years at Oneonta forever. I loved Oneonta for its beauty, education, sports, and friendships!!!! My family and friends still get sick of me talking about it! Too bad for them! Ha.
 
Felice, Along with five former student athletes will be part of the 16^th SUNY Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame class to be inducted on Saturday, Sep. 13.  This year's class will bring the number of inductees to 115 and eight Honorary.  The induction will take place in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House and will begin at noon.  The induction is free and open to the public.