SPS Coach Competes Overseas

Not many American children dream of becoming handball players. An obscure sport (think water polo but on land) that is most popular in Europe and South America, handball teams in the U.S. are generally composed of former basketball, soccer, or lacrosse players looking for a new challenge. That’s exactly how Jen Fithian, SPS advancement engagement officer and head girls basketball coach, came to the sport.

A four-year member of the women’s basketball team at Binghamton University, Fithian was recruited to play for the U.S. National Handball Team and fell in love with the sport during an immersive four-day tryout. “I led my college basketball team in tackles,” Fithian jokes, noting her physical play, “so it was a natural transition.” Now in her 13th year with the National Team, Fithian occupies a starting role as defensive specialist/pivot, thwarting opponents’ head-on scoring chances and attacking during fast-break transitions. This summer, Fithian spent two weeks training with the National Team in France, Germany, and Belgium before landing in Lima, Peru, for the 2019 Pan American Games in late July. It was Fithian’s second time representing her country at the competition, where qualification for the Olympic Games is up for grabs.

Following a 26-15 loss to Argentina in the opening match, the U.S. edged a pesky Dominican Republic squad, 26-22, before dominating hosts Peru, 29-11, securing a spot as one of the final four teams in the field. A semifinal loss to eventual champ Brazil and a one-goal defeat at the hands of Cuba saw the red, white, and blue take fourth place, marking the team’s highest finish in international competition in nearly 20 years.

At the end of the summer, Fithian was named the head coach of the U.S. Junior National Handball Team, and will play a key role in developing players for future international competitions. The pride and satisfaction she feels as an international athlete is immense, but it also allows her to show her players at SPS what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.

“I love to try to paint the bigger picture for these kids,” she says. “The memories and lessons you walk away with are pretty special.”