School Names Sports Field After Chesterfield Teacher Killed in Crash

A little more than six months after her death from injuries in an August car crash on Wildhorse Creek Road, Chesterfield resident Janet Esrock's life was memorialized at as friend, teacher, coach and supporter. The school dedicated its field hockey field in her memory Thursday morning.

The school's board of directors authorized the move in November.

Interim Head of School Ruth Greathouse told the crowd gathered outside on a beautiful spring morning that the school wanted to give seniors on the field hockey team Esrock coached a chance to play on the field bearing her name.

Esrock, a graduate who lived in Chesterfield, also coached girls basketball and soccer at the school.

Members of the St. Joseph's Academy Field Hockey team were also present for the ceremony. St. Joseph's is donating a bench to be placed on the field in Esrock's honor.

Whitfield Field Hockey Coach Maggie Young read a statement from Margaret Ellis, a former Warrior student athlete now in college, written on behalf of field hockey players past and present.

Esrock's husband, Chuck Esrock also spoke, and mentioned how his wife's reaction to a school honor last summer might mirror her thinking today.

"She was publicly somewhat embarrassed by the attention but privately pleased and proud of the honor. I think she would feel much the same way about this honor today, but more than anything, I'm sure she would be pleased and proud of you."