University of Massachusets Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2001
- Class:
- 1991
Pam Bustin was one of the greatest players in the history of UMass field hockey - a feat not easily accomplished as a defender. Bustin led UMass to four NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the national semifinals as a junior in 1987. As a senior in 1988, she was a first team all-American, a first team all-Atlantic 10 pick, a selection to the A-10 All-Tournament Team and a nominee for the Honda Broderick Award, which is given to the Field Hockey National Player of the Year. She also led UMass to a victory in the first-ever Atlantic 10 championship.
Outside of collegiate play, Bustin was a member of the U.S. Under 21 National team and served as team captain from 1987-89. She helped lead Under 21 team to the silver medal at the Junior Pan American Games in 1989. She also played on the U.S. National team from 1989-96, where she played in the Intercontinental Cup, World Cup, World University Games, Olympic Qualifier Tournament and the Champions Trophy.
Bustin was a member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team in Atlanta, while also competing in four U.S. Olympic festivals (1986, 87, 89, 90). She also helped U.S. capture silver and bronze medals in two Pan American Games.
From 2000-2002 played in the United Airlines Field Hockey League, where she helped her team to the 2000 league championship and second-place finishes in 2001 and 02.
Following her playing days, Bustin served as an assistant coach at Temple (1990-92) and then at Michigan State (1993-1996). She earned her first collegiate head coaching spot at Hofstra (1997) before moving on to Louisville (1998-2010), where she led team to six conference championships (including three Big East titles) and was ranked in the national top-20 from 2001-2010. She was named conference Coach of the Year in 2002, 2004 and 2008.
Bustin is currently the head coach at Duke University, where she won the talent-rich ACC in 2016 and earned NCAA Tournament appearances in eight seasons.
Internationally, she has served as an assistant coach for U.S. National team, including during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2007 Pan American Games (won silver medal).
