"There are no failures in life, just people who give up too soon." -Greg Gephart
Remembering Greg Gephart
Pam (Neiss) Stuper (2017)
Caroline Ruth Thompson ’02 Head Coach of Field Hockey at Yale University (2005-2022)
USA Field Hockey Executive Director (2022-present)
USA Field Hockey Executive Director (2022-present)
Michael Josephson is a speaker and lecturer, former law professor and attorney. This quote by Josephson hangs on the wall above my desk in my home office in Connecticut.
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So what will matter?
How will the value of your days be measured? What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence but your character. What will matter is not how many people knew you, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters. -MICHAEL JOSEPHSON |
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Greg Gephart chose to live a life that mattered. I was one of those young women whose life was changed because I had the pleasure and privilege of having Greg in my life. He was a wonderfully kind, caring, generous, compassionate and loving man. His character was second to none. I knew it nearly 25 years ago as a member of the USA Women’s National Team. I saw it in Houston well over a decade ago. I felt it more than ever March 4-5 at the 10th Greg Gephart Clinic.
One of my fondest memories of Greg is in the mid-90’s following a practice session on the east coast. A few of my teammates and I finished training and headed to the parking lot. There was Greg with a huge smile on his face and a twinkle is his eyes. After giving us all a big hug, he opened up the trunk of his car. “Do you need another pair of turfs? Or a stick?” In those days there were no individual sponsorships and companies soliciting field hockey players to use their products. There was Longstreth. Barbara Longstreth. And Greg Gephart. We would typically get a pair of shoes and a new stick after A Camp selections when the squad was named in January. That gear was for the year and we could get things replaced if and when necessary. Greg knew that wasn’t always enough so he checked in from time to time throughout the year to make sure we had what we needed.
I often looked at Greg and wondered how was he able to give us these things? He didn’t appear to have the means to take care of so many of us for so many years, but yet he did. Time and time and time again. I remember that like it was yesterday. And I knew I wanted to be just like Greg. Thank you Greg. You are one of a handful of people who have helped shape my life, empowered me to live a life that matters, and always look to pay it forward. I love you.
One of my fondest memories of Greg is in the mid-90’s following a practice session on the east coast. A few of my teammates and I finished training and headed to the parking lot. There was Greg with a huge smile on his face and a twinkle is his eyes. After giving us all a big hug, he opened up the trunk of his car. “Do you need another pair of turfs? Or a stick?” In those days there were no individual sponsorships and companies soliciting field hockey players to use their products. There was Longstreth. Barbara Longstreth. And Greg Gephart. We would typically get a pair of shoes and a new stick after A Camp selections when the squad was named in January. That gear was for the year and we could get things replaced if and when necessary. Greg knew that wasn’t always enough so he checked in from time to time throughout the year to make sure we had what we needed.
I often looked at Greg and wondered how was he able to give us these things? He didn’t appear to have the means to take care of so many of us for so many years, but yet he did. Time and time and time again. I remember that like it was yesterday. And I knew I wanted to be just like Greg. Thank you Greg. You are one of a handful of people who have helped shape my life, empowered me to live a life that matters, and always look to pay it forward. I love you.
Nancy Yago Adams (2024)
Head Field Hockey Coach at St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, Va
Former JMU field hockey player ‘94
USA Field Hockey Memeber
NFHS Member
Former JMU field hockey player ‘94
USA Field Hockey Memeber
NFHS Member
1988 Junior Olympics, Kansas City State University, Lawrence, KS
My memory of Coach Gephart was his coaching style. He had an immediate impact on his players from the moment we met him. His enthusiasm for the game of field hockey was evident. He coached with positive motivation and encouragement. He knew not only X’s and O’s, but knew how to get the best out of us! Coach Gephart was an incredible role model and legend for the sport of field hockey. I’ll be forever grateful for my time with him.
In the summer of 1988, I was selected to the Junior Olympics in Lawrence, Kansas. The temperatures were soaring the week we were there. In fact, the grassy field had cracks in it because the Earth was so dry and hot. I remember just having wet washcloths when we had breaks between the games. Our team won the Silver Medal.
In the summer of 1988, I was selected to the Junior Olympics in Lawrence, Kansas. The temperatures were soaring the week we were there. In fact, the grassy field had cracks in it because the Earth was so dry and hot. I remember just having wet washcloths when we had breaks between the games. Our team won the Silver Medal.
Greg Gephart coaching South Team
Nancy Yago Adams (r)
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 Monica Morgan, Lafayette College (l) and Fran Dorando, Ohio State (r)
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