When Kelsey Fithen accepted the field hockey coaching position at Hightstown High she was just carrying on a family tradition. Kelsey’s mom, Kim, served as the Rams hockey coach several years ago, and it was back in those days when Kelsey’s love of the sport grabbed her heart. Her dad, Keith, has been a longtime soccer coach in the area at Lawrence. “It is extremely relieving to know that I have two amazing coaches at home to ask for advice,’’ said Kelsey. “My mom has coached me in field hockey starting when I was in third grade for the Burlington Twp. rec league. Even though I did not take on soccer — which was for the best I was awful. — my dad has always been my biggest cheerleader. It seems that I have stepped into a world where someone either knows my mom or my dad.’’ Now, it’s Kelsey’s turn to make her own name and legacy. She recently won her first game as the Rams blanked Nottingham, 5-0. “Not to sound corny but I didn’t even think that it was my first win,’’ said Fithen. “Just being with the girls it’s like every day is a win since we are improving each time.’’ Pure coach speak and it is also shows her dedication to her team and her love of the game. “I am excited to share the love that I have for the sport with the girls on this team,’’ said Fithen. “All I want is for the girls to grow and continue to improve. When I played against them at Hopewell I always respected them. It was speaking with Ed Larkin during the coaching transition. We laughed and remembered the times we played against each other. Coach Larkin and my assistant/JV coach Ashleigh Boyce have made the process ten times easier.’’ Hightstown coach Kelsey Fithen talks with her team before a CVC field hockey game against Hamilton West on Wednesday afternoon at David J. McIntire Field in Hightstown. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo) As a player, Fithen made the game look easy at Hopewell Valley where she scored 40 goals and had 25 assists, totaling 105 points. At Sacred Heart University, she played in 52 games. “Playing Division I field hockey at Sacred Heart University has definitely prepared me physically and mentally for this role,’’ said Fithen. “I have already had the opportunity to offer advice to a couple of players about the recruiting processes. My past has helped me understand the mental toll this could take on future collegiate athletes. I hope that my experience can help young girls feel more confident in approaching such a life-changing journey. It has been super fun to be involved in the drills and hop into some of the plays to either demonstrate or work with the girls.’’ Hopewell friend Jeff Molinelli has come forward and offered his coaching materials and Lawrence’s Megan Errico and Bordentown’s Amy Fiscicaro have welcomed Fithen to the fold. “I have been so grateful for these Bordentown and Lawrence coaches who I’ve respected for a long time,’’ said Fithen. “It speaks volumes to me that my parents have made long-lasting connections in the world of coaching. As word of my coaching position has spread I have received several positive remarks of my mom’s coaching at Hightstown High School in 1990. Her positive impact has encouraged me to make history just as she did. My mom still can’t get enough of coaching and has been an assistant coach for bowling at Bordentown High School.’’ There’s no halfway in the Fithen family. Kelsey is no different. “I have confidence as the season progresses that there will be more acknowledgments to make about our team’s growth,’’ Fithen stated. “These girls have given me their all and I have been so grateful for that.’’ Hightstown coach Kelsey Fithen watches warm ups before a CVC field hockey game against Hamilton West on Wednesday afternoon at David J. McIntire Field in Hightstown. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo)