GREENFIELD — The athletic fields behind Greenfield High School officially have a new name. 

The Greenfield City Council voted on August 21 to rename the athletic fields behind Greenfield High School to “Donna Woodcock Field” and on Friday, the dedication ceremony took place. 

After words from Greenfield athletic director Mike Kuchieski and Greenfield superintendent Karin Patenaude, Donna Woodcock’s mother, Barbara Woodcock, pulled down the ribbon to unveil the sign officially designating the fields as “Donna Woodcock Field” prior to the Greenfield field hockey teams game against West Springfield. 

“I’d like to thank everyone for being here today,” Kuchieski said. “It was a sad day the day we lost our Donna. This is a great dedication to her. I can’t say enough about everything she has done for me and everything she’s done for this school, community and student athletes. I think about her everyday and what Donna would do and that’s what I try to do.” 

Woodcock coached the Greenfield High School field hockey program from 1982-2005 and the softball team from 1989-2004. She later spent time as the Green Wave athletic director and was also the school’s principal. 

With the Greenfield field hockey team, she compiled a 265-83-53 record, won five western Massachusetts titles and made it to four state championship games. Woodcock won two state titles, the first coming in 1989, the second in 1999. 

She tragically passed away in a in a car crash in 2023 at the age of 65.

Mother Barbara Woodcock, sister Karen Woodcock and brother Dana Woodcock, along with former players and coaches, were in attendance for the field dedication ceremony on Friday. 

“No matter how much all of us here today miss Donna’s presence, we know that your loss is greater than any we could comprehend,” Patenaude said to the family. “We hope that today’s recognition of Donna helps ease some of the pain and show how loved and respected she was, especially in the athletic community. We’re gathered today to celebrate and remember the life of Donna Woodcock. As you know, she loved Greenfield High School, she loved the city of Greenfield but she really loved Greenfield High School field hockey.

“Looking around at all the people and former players here today, it is a true testament to her dedication to the sport, to creating collaborative teams, to showing students the meaning of sportsmanship and team spirit that you have all found the time to join us here today,” Patenaude added.