Simply stated, Charlotte Heenan is the greatest goaltender to ever put on the pads for the Lions’ storied field hockey program. The net-minder for Trenton State College from 1983 through 1986, Heenan started in 101 consecutive games and holds most of the prominent records in program history.
As a freshman in 1983, Heenan posted 14 shutouts during the season as the Lions advanced to the national championship game. They defeated Ithaca College 2-1 to capture their second NCAA title as Heenan was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team.
TSC returned to the Final Four in 1984 as Heenan set a program record with 17 shutouts in the cage.
In 1985, Heenan produced her greatest season during a four-year span checkered with achievements. She registered an incredible 202 saves, a mark that has never been approached over the past 32 years. (Heenan herself came the closest in 1986 with 146.) Trenton State advanced to the national championship game to take on Millersville College. Heenan did not permit a goal as the Lions captured the crown with a 1-0 victory. It was the 13th shutout of the season for Heenan and she was once again named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team.
During her senior season in1986, Heenan posted 15 shutouts, the final one coming in the Third Place Match in a 1-0 win over Bentley College. It was the 59th shutout of her career, a record that still stands today. (Wendy Trockenbrod ranks second with 39.)
Heenan also holds the record for most saves in her career with 564. Shannon Syciarz ’12 ranks second with 347. Heenan credits her defense for the number of wins and shutouts she compiled from 1983-1986, but does take some credit for the offense during her tenure. As she stated, “I feel as though my true contribution to the team was making my teammates face the toughest goalkeeper in Division III every time we stepped on the practice field.”
During the spring of 1984, Heenan played lacrosse and in 1986, spent one season under Dr. June Walker on the softball team. She batted .400 (10-for-25) in six starts during that season.
Following her brilliant playing career, Heenan returned to Lions Stadium as an assistant coach (GK) for the field hockey and lacrosse programs from 1987 – 1992. TSC won five more national titles in those sports with Heenan sharing her expertise during practice and on the sideline during games.
In addition to coaching field hockey and lacrosse in high school, Heenan began officiating in 1994. She is a field hockey umpire at the high school and collegiate level. Heenan has made nine appearances as an official at the NCAA Championship Final Four at the Division II and III levels. She currently coaches golf at Moorestown High School, and in 2011, was named the NFHS New Jersey State Coach of the Year for Girl’s Golf.
“Charlotte was a phenomenal goalkeeper for many reasons. She not only had and incredible skill-set and the quickest reactions, but she also possessed outstanding game sense. She was excellent at strategizing and implementing a game plan and was a great communicator who commanded structure and performance of the defensive unit. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach Charlotte and even more fortunate to have her on our staff, teaching our goalkeepers. I am thrilled she is receiving this wonderful honor.
