The following report was provided by the Watertown Public Schools, with some additional information added:
Eileen Donahue, the longtime head coach of the Watertown High School field hockey team, has reached the latest milestone in her Hall of Fame career with her 750th career win.
The Raiders defeated Wakefield 7-0 on Thursday. With the win, Donahue’s career record improved to 750-34-46. She has coached the Raiders for 38 seasons.
Donahue is one of eight coaches in U.S. history in the 700-win club. Only two coaches have reached 800 wins.
“I am so proud of all the present and past players, coaches, administrations, families and community that have played a huge role in these wins. It has been a lot of hard work to reach this accomplishment,” said Donahue.
During the game, senior Molly Driscoll scored her 13th hat trick of the season, according to the Boston Globe report.
“I was really glad that we could do that … for Ms. Donahue and the past teams that have accomplished so much,” Driscoll told the Globe. “It’s super special to be a part of this program and be fortunate enough to add to it and be a part of Ms. Donahue’s legacy.”
Three other Raiders scored during the game, at Wakefield: Rachel Egan scored two goals, and Adrianna Williams and Regan Driscoll had one apiece.
With Thursday’s win, the Raiders extended their winning streak to 70 games. It was also Watertown’s 37th straight shutout, adding to the national record the Raiders set earlier this month when they surpassed the previous standard (32) set by Garden City, New York in 1999.
“Once again, we are so proud of Eileen’s accomplishments and all the success and dedication she has brought to the Watertown field hockey program,” said Watertown Athletic Director Ryan Murphy. “She embodies all we could hope for in a coach and beyond.”
The Raiders have won 20 state championships with Donahue at the helm, including back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. Donahue also guided Watertown to a national record 184-game unbeaten streak between 2008-2017. The Raiders finished the regular season undefeated at 17-0.
“It’s evident that Coach Donahue’s success relies on her ability to bring together and grow strong teams over the years, and what she instills in them is consistent and proven. These young women have life skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives,” said Dr. Dede Galdston, Superintendent of Schools.
In addition to coaching the Raiders, Donahue is a physical education teacher at Watertown’s Lowell Elementary School. She also runs the Watertown Elite Field Hockey Clinic, a development program for players K-12.
Donahue was inducted into the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2020.