Since becoming the head coach at Red Hook (N.Y.) High School in 1978, Patricia Bowman has forged one of New York State's premier field hockey programs. Heading into the 1996 season, her teams have won 11 Section Nine titles in 14 years while capturing New York State championships in 1993 and 1995. Her undefeated 1995 season boosted Bowman's impressive 18 year coaching mark to 264 wins, 42 losses and 18 ties. She was named the Poughkeepsie Journal Coach of the Year in 1984, 1987, 1989 and 1993. The Hudson Register-Star voted her its Coach of the Year in 1995.
More important than the wins and the losses to "P.B.," as she's known to her players, is the emphasis on hard work, a team concept, and, above all else, sportsmanship. "P.B. is not about winning championships, titles and accolades," said Mary Hegarty Hare, a Red Hook player in the early 1980's. "They are a natural succession of the qualities she inspires in her players and the respect she has for them. She leads by example with a healthy sense of humor. P.B. instills determination, hard work, self-discipline and commitment in her students. She is not only grooming players for short-term field hockey and school success but building a foundation for their long-term benefit. Any past player will verify that the values P.B. preached on the field have since helped them to be the best in whatever paths they've chosen."
" Her reputation as an outstanding leader of youth is widely respected in the Hudson Valley," said John J. Lewis '57, a teacher and principal in the Red Hook Central School system. "Many of her former athletes have gone on to play and star at the college level. In the press, these players convey their respect and affection for her. To them, P.B. is an institution."
A native of Red Hook, N.Y., Bowman played scholastic field hockey, basketball and softball. At SUNY Cortland, she participated on the field hockey and softball squads. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1977 and returned to her hometown. Bowman taught physical education and health at Red Hook Central from 1977 to 1981. She coached the gymnastics team in 1977 and the softball team between 1981 and 1988. In 1981, she left the teaching profession and purchased a local ice cream store which she continues to own and manage. Within her community, Bowman organized and directed for 13 years the Town of Red Hook Women's Softball League. Since 1983, she has been director of the Town of Red Hook Field Hockey Program.
