Emily Prince: Leading King Field Hockey to New Heights
For Emily Prince, the thrill of victory is only part of the story. This fall, King School’s field hockey team reached the championship semi-finals, a milestone that reflects not just talent, but culture, dedication, and joy.
“Reaching the championship game this year was truly remarkable,” Prince said. “For me, it’s about sharing the love of the sport, recruiting and retaining players, and pursuing my passion. Now, finally seeing it all come to fruition is one of my greatest accomplishments.”
Under her guidance, the program has grown into a competitive powerhouse while maintaining a focus on teamwork, fun, and personal growth.
Field hockey is more than a sport for Prince; it is a vehicle for teaching life lessons.
“Athletics mirror life in so many ways: working hard, committing to goals, setting and achieving them, learning new skills, working as a team, leading by example, and holding yourself accountable,” she said. “These principles align closely with our King athletic core values of Commitment, Teamwork, Leadership, and Perseverance. I remind the girls every day what they mean and how they show up both on and off the field.”
Her passion extends beyond the field, as she coaches the middle school team, runs lower school enrichment programs, and encourages year-round play, creating a pipeline of athletes who are excited to join the King program.
Prince’s work with students extends into college counseling, too, where her experience as a student-athlete informs her guidance.
“Ever since I graduated from college, I have reflected not only on my own experiences as a student-athlete at an Ivy League institution, but also on the overall quality of life for student-athletes across all colleges and universities,” she said. “Now, in my role as a college counselor, that quest continues as I work to identify the college environment where each student will be happiest and most successful.”
She emphasizes long-term relationships, guiding students over four years to help them thoughtfully explore academics, extracurriculars, and personal growth.
“A job well done to me means they will think of me always and forever, and be grateful for the role I played in their lives. This is lofty, but it is my hope and expectation I place on myself.”
Prince’s path to King is grounded in a family and personal legacy of athletics. A three-time All-American field hockey player at Princeton University, she also earned All-Ivy League honors and served as a two-year team captain. At The Taft School, she was recognized as an All-American in both lacrosse and field hockey and claimed the NEPSAC/Western New England Prep School Association Basketball MVP.
Her elite experience includes competing internationally with the U.S. Junior National Team and training alongside Olympic athletes.
“Field hockey has played an incredible role in my life,” she said. “It has taught me core values and challenged me in ways that keep me coming back year after year.”
After years of coaching in the region, including stints at Greenwich Academy and Rye High School, she arrived at King.
“The timing was right,” she said.
At King, Prince has been instrumental in shaping the field hockey program into a competitive force, advocating for the installation of turf fields, recruiting top-tier players, and fostering a culture rooted in perseverance, teamwork, and joy for the game.
“Perseverance means staying true to my mission and purpose. Trust the process! My mission is to teach my sport, have fun, and work hard; winning comes as a byproduct of those things.”
Looking ahead, Prince hopes to continue growing both the program and the players’ experience.
“We’ll see! Keep the culture but grow the success,” she said. “I want to keep providing the girls with a rewarding experience they can be incredibly proud of and always look back on with a huge smile.”
Her dual dedication to athletics and student growth continues to shape confident, compassionate young women who thrive both on and off the field.