SHS history teacher Heather Willinger is known for her extensive involvement in extracurricular clubs and activities: She runs the Model United Nations club (MUN) and serves as a class advisor for the freshman class with SHS English teacher Anne Blake. In these roles, she develops relationships and connections with students as a teacher and a mentor. This year, Willinger took on an additional activity that draws from her experience as an athlete: She became a certified referee for the Boston Field Hockey Umpire’s Association (BFHUA).
Willinger started her career in field hockey as a freshman at Marshfield High School, where she played center back before heading to the University of Vermont and playing Division I field hockey as a sweeper.
After Willinger became a history teacher at SHS, she coached the junior varsity field hockey team for one season and the varsity team for seven seasons. However, after having children, the commitment of being a high school coach was too much for her busy life as a mother of two boys who were busy with sports themselves. Instead, Willinger coached soccer and Little League baseball so she could spend time with her children.
With her youngest son Devin entering his senior year of high school in Marshfield, Willinger decided to return to field hockey this year. However, she was drawn to a new position on the field—referee. After completing an online course, she was certified and ready to go.
Willinger explained that part of her motivation comes from her father, Joe Belmosto, who passed away three years ago. She said he was always her number one fan, attending every high school and college game—even when she traveled in college. “He went up and down the East Coast,” she said. “He only missed one game my senior year.”
Returning to field hockey through refereeing draws Willinger closer to the sport she loves and keeps her connected with her father. In fact, Willinger said the anniversary of the day her father passed away was the day she started refereeing at the SHS jamboree, a preseason tournament. Even today, she ensures his spirit lives on through her involvement in the sport.
Willinger said working as a referee feels like a perfect transition because it doesn’t involve the commitment of being a high school coach. According to Willinger, her new role on the field “requires the same kind of skills you use when coaching and teaching.” Since she primarily referees freshman field hockey games, Willinger said refereeing allows her to help players learn more about the sport.
Sharing her passion for field hockey with other teachers and friends, Willinger has encouraged them to join, saying it feels “refreshing” to connect and build relationships with players, just as she does with her own students.