Leanne J. (Lehtinen) Roy

2016 Inductee - 2001 Graduate

Leanne J. (Lehtinen) Roy made an immediate impacton the Fitchburg State field hockey program upon her arrival on campus. As a freshman she was selectedthe MASCAC Rookie of the Year and named to the MASCAC All-Conference second team. She was selected to the MASCAC All-Conference first team as a sophomore and awarded the Most Valuable Player Defensive Award. She continued to shine on the field and in 1999 was named to the MASCACAll-Conference First Team and selected as the MASCAC Co-Player of the Year while repeating as the Most Valuable Player Defensive Award. Her senior season was exceptional as she was selected MASCAC Player of the Year and named to the MASCAC All-Conference first team, the Little East All-Conference first team, the National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association Division III All Star team and received Fitchburg Statefield hockey’s Most Valuable Player award. Roy was named the Fitchburg State Female Athlete of the Year at the 2001 Fitchburg State Honors Convocation and received the Paul Waring ’38 Female Athlete of the Year Award, the Athletic Department’s most prestigious athletic honor.

Coach Beth Bacher describes Roy as a “tenacious defensive player who played every game with self-confidence and determination. Her drive to work hard for the goodof the team was unmatched.” Roy credits her coaches and her teammates for her success. She also recognizes the support of her parents Helene and Bruce who never missed one of the 67 collegiate field hockey games she played.

In 2002, Roy began her teaching and coaching career at her alma mater Oakmont Regional High School. Under her leadership the field hockey team has won three District Championships and seven league titles. In 2012 Roy received the Central Massachusetts Field Hockey Coaches Association Coach of the Year award. She was also inducted into the Oakmont Regional High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010 for her outstanding high school athletic career.

She has continued to pursue her education and has earned two master’s degrees. Roy and her husband Thomas live in Ashburnham with their three children:daughter Addison, 9, and sons Silas, 7 and Landon, 2.