We had the opportunity to sit down with
Krista Archambeau, the head coach of the Field Hockey team here at SUNY Brockport. Since taking over the program in 2017, Coach Archambeau has guided the Golden Eagles through consistently competitive seasons. Thanks to her help turning the program around, Brockport has posted a strong 57-46 record in the regular season over the past six years, which has reflected a strong presence in conference postseason play as well. We asked Coach Archambeau a series of questions regarding the Season, Standards, Values, and several more to get an inside scoop on the program.
Below you will find the interview we conducted with Krista Archambeau for a new development in progress: an Alumni Newsletter.
Season Reflection
How would you summarize your team's season?
"This season became one of learning, growth, and building alignment both on and off the field. We finished in the top six and earned a spot in the Empire 8 postseason Championships, which was a significant accomplishment with nearly an entirely new roster. While the team is proud of these achievements, we are not fully satisfied with the season as a whole and recognize that there was still potential left unmet. The group has strong perspective—celebrating small wins while continuously striving to improve."
What were the biggest highlights or defining moments?
"Earning a spot in the Empire 8 Championship Tournament. It was a tangible result that showed our players what they're capable of."
Growth & Development
In what ways did your team grow—competitively, culturally, or individually—over the course of the season?
"We faced a lot of adversity, but this group proved to be incredibly resilient. They were coachable, and we saw growth in individual players as well as in our collective game. Culturally, getting everyone on the same page was especially important with such a young team—ensuring they not only understood our expectations, but learned how to live them out consistently in their daily actions."
Behind-the-Scenes Insight
What is something fans or alumni might not see that you're especially proud of—team culture, training focus, resilience, or academic commitment?
"Our roster included 1 senior, 2 juniors, 6 sophomores, and 14 freshmen. Many people were surprised by how young we were, especially because the score didn't always reflect how competitive we truly were in games. I'm proud of how we stayed connected, supported each other, and viewed every setback as an opportunity to learn and improve."
Championship Standards
What were the biggest challenges your team faced, and how did they respond?
"Brockport Field Hockey performs at its best when we're playing as one cohesive unit, not as 11 individuals. Learning each other's styles, developing trust, and understanding how to work off one another took time. Once we began aligning, we saw real progress."
Looking Ahead
What excites you most about the future of your program—returners, incoming recruits, new initiatives, or developmental priorities?
"We're in a great position moving forward, returning nearly our entire roster and losing only one senior. The team is already eager to begin offseason work and fully understands what needs to be done to reach our goals next year. This group truly embodies our family-first culture, and I'm excited to watch them continue to grow and come together in the offseason."
Alumni Connection
Do you have a message you'd like to share with your alumni or former players?
"We are always extremely grateful for our alumni—the path they've paved and the culture they've helped build. This year felt especially meaningful because so many of our alumni are now coaching at the high school, club, and collegiate levels, which was fun to see. I look forward to watching them continue to make an impact and to reconnecting with everyone at the Alumni Game this spring."
Golden Eagle Values
How does your team embody the values of SUNY Brockport Athletics, both on and off the field?
"Brockport Field Hockey is rooted in culture—integrity, respect, and support. We talk often about how we do things: how we win, how we lose, how we compete, and how we treat others. Our team invests in the community, shows up for other sports, and genuinely strives to be good people."