A Fresh Start on the Pitch
The Dover field hockey program is undergoing a complete overhaul, fielding a roster that consists of only three veterans and a majority of newcomers eager to prove themselves.
At the helm is head coach Ty Bradford, who inherited the squad just seven days before preseason began last summer. Recognizing a host of foundational skill gaps, Bradford has structured early practices around basic drills in dribbling, passing and rule comprehension, while constantly urging his players to talk, listen and trust one another.
The team’s culture is already shifting toward openness; senior standout Amaya Johnson‑Bull notes that success, for her, means feeling comfortable communicating on the field, a sentiment echoed by the entire group.
Adding to the unique dynamic, assistant coach CJ Bradford, Ty’s wife, is also new to the sport and learns alongside the players, reinforcing a collaborative atmosphere that prizes incremental improvement over immediate wins.
Despite the steep learning curve, Bradford remains confident that Dover can become a competitive force by 2026, believing that the blend of youthful enthusiasm, disciplined training and a supportive community will translate into tangible results on the pitch.