For over a decade, the WPI Field Hockey program was the best in
New England. Of all the great field hockey players that have worn
the Crimson and Gray, no one matched the offensive credentials of
Nicola (McGowan) Campbell.
A native of Ireland, Nicky transferred to WPI from
the University of Limerick for the 1988 season and quickly became a
premier goal scorer. She notched 20 goals and added three assists
as the Engineers went 19-1 and won the NEW-8 regular season crown.
WPI avenged its only loss with a resounding 8-0 victory over
Wellesley in the NEW-8 championship game tilt. For her
accomplishments, she earned second-team All-Conference honors.
"Nicky had the unique ability to visualize a play,
the offensive skills to unfold it, and the mental toughness to make
it happen," noted teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Sue Tarallo.
The following year brought more of the same as she
tallied 25 goals and nine assists. She combined with Kim Cloutier
to score 46 of WPI's 76 goals; she earned first team Regional
All-America accolades and was named a National All-American. The
Engineers went 17-2-1 onthe season, winning the NEW-8 regular
season title before blanking Southern Maine 4-0 in the first round
of the NCAAs. The team's goal of winning the national championship
was dashed when Cortland State scored with just one second
remaining to win their second round contest 2-1.
"Nicky played with so much finesse that I would
sometimes be left in awe watching her, rather than catching her
perfect pass across the goal!" remarked fellow Hall of Famer
Danielle (Luongo) Fries.
In her third season, the Crimson and Gray went
18-1, winning the NEW-8 regular season title. The Engineers exacted
revenge on Smith and defeated the Pioneers 1-0 in the conference
championship contest. Nicky continued to post amazing
offensive numbers, tallying 22 goals and 20 assists. She earned her
second straight first-team All-New England nod and was again
selected a first-team Regional All-American.
Nicky capped her standout career in grand fashion
during the 1990 season, scoring 27 goals while handing out an
eye-popping 29 assists. The team continued to win, finishing with a
17-2-1 record and yet anotherNEW-8 tournament crown. She was named
a first-team All-American and appeared with teammate and fellow
Hall of Famer Kim Gabis in Sports Illustrated's "Faces in
the Crowd."
Her career stats are simply mind-boggling. She
amassed 94 goals and 63 assists and graduated as the all-time
leader in New England in points (251). Equally impressive was the
success that WPI enjoyed with Nicky on the field. The Engineers
compiled a 71-6-2 record over her four seasons, for a winning
percentage of .911. During Nicky's time on Boynton Hill, WPI won
three NEW-8 tournament championships.
Her talent and skill did not go unnoticed. She was
selected for consideration to the U.S. regional and national teams
but could not participate due to a new rule requiring U.S.
citizenship.
Nicky graduated with a degree in mechanical
engineering and earned her master's degree in manufacturing
engineering from WPI in 1993. She has returned to Limerick, where
she lives with her husband, Brian Campbell, and their daughters,
Maria, 4, and Anna, 2.
