Coach Jessica Rys – Head Coach, Varsity Field Hockey
Jessica Rys enters her eighth season as the head coach of the Williamsville North Varsity Field Hockey team, where she has led the program since 2018 with a focus on excellence, development, and character. In her first season at the helm, Rys guided the Spartans to a Sectional Championship, Regional Championship, and a New York State Finalist Runner-Up finish — a historic run that established a strong foundation for the program’s continued success. The team went on to win another Sectional Championship in 2019.
Prior to her varsity coaching role, Rys served as the JV field hockey coach at Williamsville North from 2015 to 2017. Her coaching contributions extend across multiple sports: she was the school’s JV lacrosse coach from 2015–2016, Varsity lacrosse coach from 2017–2022, and modified lacrosse coach in 2023. Outside of the school setting, she is a founder and coach for the Williamsville Stampede Field Hockey Club and serves as a coach in the USA Field Hockey Nexus Program, helping develop players at the regional and national levels.
Before joining Williamsville North, Rys was an assistant coach with the SUNY Cortland field hockey team in 2014 and also coached modified lacrosse at New Hartford Central School District that same year.
A proud native of New Hartford, N.Y., Rys is a graduate of Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education. During her time at Syracuse, she captained the club field hockey team and played attack for the women’s club lacrosse team. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from West Virginia University.
Coaching Philosophy
Coach Rys believes that a successful program is about much more than wins and losses — it’s about developing good people. Her coaching philosophy centers around hard work, discipline, teamwork, and respect, with a strong emphasis on putting the team first. She is committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment where every player feels valued, supported, and challenged.
“As a coach,” Rys says, “my role is to guide each athlete on their unique journey. I believe coaching is about building relationships, creating trust, and supporting players both on and off the field. Success isn’t just about winning — it’s about growth, character, effort, and learning how to overcome adversity.”
She leads with empathy, consistency, and honesty — listening as much as she instructs — and believes in celebrating progress, not just outcomes. Coach Rys aims to ensure that every player leaves the program with greater confidence, stronger values, and a belief in their potential, knowing they had a coach who genuinely supported them every step of the way.