Fueled by Passion, Built on Purpose: Jill Cosse’s Enduring Legacy in Field Hockey and Service

Manahawkin, NJ -​ As National Volunteer Month shines a light on those who dedicate their time to making a difference, the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) proudly recognizes Jill Cosse, a true champion for the sport. Cosse, the head coach at West Essex High School and co-founder of NJ Grit club, has spent decades shaping the future of field hockey through her coaching, mentorship, and commitment to service.

A Storied Career in Coaching

Cosse’s legendary career as head coach of the West Essex High School field hockey team spans nearly three decades and is defined by unparalleled excellence, consistency, and impact. Amassing an astonishing record of 580-52-14, she has led her program to dominance with 28 conference titles, 18 Essex County Championships—including a revival of the tournament in 2004—and an incredible 23 State Sectional Group 2 titles. Under her guidance, West Essex has claimed 16 State Group 2 Championships and made nine appearances in the prestigious Tournament of Champions (TOC), winning the TOC title in 2016. In 2021, Cosse’s squad captured its 38th consecutive sectional title and its fourth straight—and 20th overall—state crown, earning a #2 state ranking by NJ.com and advancing to the TOC semifinals. Beyond the trophies, her influence has extended to player development, with 62 NFHCA All-Americans and 99 athletes going on to compete at the collegiate level. Cosse’s career is not just a story of victories, but of building a true dynasty in high school field hockey.

Beyond field hockey, Cosse led the West Essex lacrosse program until 2018, amassing an impressive 301-113-3 record. Her remarkable journey has earned her inductions into the Wall High School Hall of Fame, US Lacrosse NJ Hall of Fame, TCNJ Hall of Fame, and NJSIAA Hall of Fame. In 2021, she was named National Coach of the Year by USA Field Hockey and New Jersey Coach of the Year by Max Field Hockey, followed by the NJSIAA Trailblazer Award in 2022.

A Passion for Giving Back

Cosse’s dedication to the NFHCA stems from a deeply ingrained value of service.

“I was raised to always give back more than you were given,” she reflects. “My parents were both teachers who inspired my sister and me to be active in our community. In college, I played for Sharon Pfluger, who was not only my coach but my mentor. She demonstrated how giving back could shape the future of the sport. That became my mission—sharing my heart and my passion with my athletes and growing the game.”

Since 1997, Cosse has been an integral part of the NFHCA, serving on numerous committees, including chairing the New Jersey All-American Committee three times. “Anytime the NFHCA has asked for help, I have always offered my assistance,” she says. Her contributions extend to US Lacrosse, where she chaired the All-American Committee and helped organize regional tournaments.

Lessons in Leadership and Growth

Through her years of service, Cosse has learned that the heart of coaching lies in connection.

“I have loved earning the friendships,” she shares. “When you’re younger, rivalries fuel competition. As you grow, you realize that culture and camaraderie are everything. The NFHCA has introduced me to incredible, powerful, and intelligent women who have helped me become a better coach and person. Coaching is too heavy to take on alone—the friendships make the journey worthwhile.”

She credits Linda Alimi, the pioneering coach she succeeded at West Essex, as a guiding force in her career. “Linda had to fight for everything, even after 30 years of coaching. She taught me how to advocate for my players and my sport. Her strength and wisdom pushed me to carry that fight forward—not just for my team or my club, NJ Grit, but for the young women I coach and mentor.”

The NFHCA’s Value to High School Coaches

Cosse sees immense value in the NFHCA, urging high school coaches to engage with the organization.

“The NFHCA is our professional home,” she emphasizes. “It provides opportunities to highlight our female athletes through awards and recognition. Beyond that, it fosters growth and education. If you love this sport, you should be working to make it better. I’m incredibly grateful for the conversations, the dialogue, and the camaraderie it brings. Learning from other coaches is invaluable.”

A Life Lesson from Coaching

Cosse draws inspiration from John Wesley’s quote: ‘Light yourself on fire with passion. People will come from miles to see you burn.’

“I’d like to think that my love of the game and the way I did things mattered,” she says. “I have been so fortunate to coach incredible athletes—the talented, the brave, the quiet, and the humble. Every single one gave me more than I could ever give them. That is the greatest lesson of all.”

As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, Cosse’s legacy serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have through passion, mentorship, and a relentless commitment to giving back.

NFHCA Blog Disclaimer

All content on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for NCAA compliance or legal advice. The NFHCA recognizes that the accuracy of the content and opinions in this blog may change over time. The blog site may contain links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties. Such external links are not monitored or endorsed by the NFHCA and the NFHCA does not control such external websites or their content. The NFHCA will not be held responsible for the content of any message from external websites or contributing authors.

The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.