Rappolt Named New Chair of USA Field Hockey Foundation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Field Hockey is pleased to announce a new chair to the USA Field Hockey Foundation. Bill Rappolt (West Chester, Pa.) was elected by his colleagues, following Patrick Durbin’s nearly three-year term which concluded following USA Field Hockey’s 100th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Celebration in June. Bill, and his wife, Pam, joined the Foundation Board of Trustees in 2018, serving in various leadership roles.

A military veteran, Bill reflects on serving the sport and the United States, in his new position as the Chairperson of the USA Field Hockey Foundation. “I am honored to take on this new challenge and grateful to be handed this position following the excellent job done by Patrick,” stated Bill. “I am committed to see the game grow at all levels.”

An Economics major at Lafayette College, class of 1967, Bill played football his freshman and sophomore years and lacrosse his sophomore, junior and senior years. He attended Columbia University studying for his Master of Business Administration. At the end of 1968, he left for Navy Officer Candidate School and served on the USS Carter Hall (LSD 3)  until 1970. After that he was stationed in Brooklyn, N.Y. and was Communications Officer, and was also in charge of Fleet Services Support for NYK Harbour and St. Lawrence Seaway. Additionally, he was a Summary Court Martial officer and served on numerous special and general court martials. He served as Lieutenant United States Naval Reserve until his discharge in 1971.

After the Navy, Bill went to Wall Street and worked for Brown Brothers Harriman and Company, then First National State Bank of NJ, United California Bank and Fidelity Bank Philadelphia. He eventually took a job as Treasurer of M&T Bank Corporation, was part of a six-person management group, and retired from there in 1997.

Through the years, Bill has continued a life of service and leadership. He was Vice Chair of the Finance Committee for the Board of Trustees at Lafayette College. Additionally, he has served as a Vice-President for the Delta Upsilon Foundation for 18 years.

Bill and Pam’s daughter, Sarah, played field hockey at the University of Maryland from 1996-2000 where the Terrapins won a national championship and two Atlantic Coast Conference championships. The Rappolt’s incredible generosity, and their love for the game, is evident at his alma mater’s campus. Bill started the Friends of Field Hockey at Lafayette and served as chairman for 15 years. There is a field hockey field in their names, as well as an endowed Neuroscience Chair at Lafayette.

“I am honored and delighted to work with Bill in his new role, as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his professional career and a lifetime of service,” said Pam Stuper, Foundation Executive Director. “Bill’s leadership in key initiatives as a trustee throughout the last five-years has undoubtedly increased our resources, which are making a tremendous impact on our sport and those involved.”

USA Field Hockey and the USA Field Hockey Foundation are federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you have interest in learning more about the opportunities to provide support through a tax-deductible gift, please contact Foundation Executive Director Pam Stuper at pstuper@usafieldhockey.com. Your gifts are integral to USA Field Hockey’s mission to Grow the Game, Serve Members and Succeed Internationally.