Field Hockey | July 11, 2016

First in a series of La Salle alumni-athletes. If you have an alumni-athlete to be featured, please contact Associate AD, Kevin Bonner, at bonner@lasalle.edu.

Diane Moyer '80 was a two-time Olympic field hockey player (1980, 1984) following an outstanding career at La Salle. She helped the United States win a bronze medal in 1984 and is a member of the La Salle Hall of Athletes and the USA Field Hockey, Berks County Field Hockey and the Muhlenberg High School Hall of Fames. Moyer received her Ph.D. from Temple and has been a professor of psychology at Cedar Crest College since 1996. She coached college field hockey at Hollins University, Villanova and Yale from 1982-1989.

What brought you to La Salle?
 
I became familiar with La Salle through basketball coach Angie Scarengelli, who was working at a summer camp I attended.  It was in my senior year in high school that I was recruited to L aSalle University on a basketball scholarship.  During my first year at La Salle, Kathleen McNally, the field hockey coach, encouraged me to play field hockey.  After my first year, she recommended that I try out for the United States field hockey team.  It was her encouragement that lead me to the USA team.  While at La Salle, I also was a member of the softball and swimming and diving teams. 
 
What was your proudest La Salle memory?
 
I have many wonderful memories during my time at La Salle.  One in particular was how willing the faculty were to support both my athletic and academic pursuits.  There were times when I would be traveling with the USA team for an extended period of time and the faculty helped me to make this happen and continue to be successful in and out of the classroom.  I also remember how proud I was when I saw my professors attend some of my La Salle athletic events.  They cared about the whole person!
 
How did the Lasallian education help you in your career?
 
La Salle University provided many resources, opportunities, and much encouragement, both in and out of the classroom, which opened new doors, formed new friendships, and expanded my future vision.  I had the opportunity to take risks, to put myself in challenging situations, and grow in both skill and character.  It was the faculty, athletic staff, and classmates that gave me the courage to go the extra mile, which has shaped who I am today.  With this encouragement, my confidence grew along with my passion to play for the USA Field Hockey Team, pursue a Ph.D., and become a Professor of Psychology at Cedar Crest College.  I owe a good amount of my professional success to my time at La Salle, both in the classroom and through my athletic endeavors.  La Salle provided a great opportunity to build lifetime relationships and I am fortunate to still have many of these connections today.  As a professor, I am known to express my passion for psychology, the students, and teaching.  I recall the professors who made a difference in my life, and I am grateful to them.  In turn, it is important for me to help students to reach their goals.  I want to inspire, challenge and encourage them to discover their passion and the confidence to live it.
 
What has been the proudest moment of your professional career?
 
My proudest moments as a professor are seeing students realize their potential and live happy and meaningful lives.  It feels good when students get excited about learning and their faces light up with joy and wonder -- or seeing a student who does not view herself as talented, go on to do well. Most of all, my proudest moments are celebrating students accomplishments at commencement every year.  
 
As an athlete, I will never forget standing on the podium with my teammates to receive our medal.  Flags were raised and trumpets played, the medal hung around our necks, and presented with a flower, the bird of paradise. We then turned to each section of the stadium and waved with joy, pride and triumph.  Being in the moment and realizing where I was, simply took my breath away.
 
What advice would you give current student-athletes?

If you put forth your best effort in making your dreams come true, there's no way you can be disappointed. Give yourself permission to know that your best is going to change from time to time.  All that matters is that you are doing your best.  And, do not be afraid to fail, because otherwise you do not have the ability to see what your best is.

It is okay to not know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life.   When you get to a fork in the road, either path is correct as long as you follow your heart.  As you travel down that road, you will get to another fork.   The destination is a moving target.  Embrace that idea and enjoy the journey and leave the anxiety of the unknown behind.

Do not rush your time at La Salle.  It will most likely be the greatest years of your life.  It is your time to discover yourself, your passions, and great friendships.  Take advantage of every opportunity and learn from each experience because this is what will shape the person you become.