About

Versatile, fiery competitor, true leader…those are a few of the words those who know Beth (Peterson) Dollas best use to describe her. Add to that determination, hustle and incredible speed, and what you get is an athlete who did whatever it took to succeed and help her team reach its potential. It was said by Chris Perry, former Amesbury High School girls’ basketball and softball coach, that Beth practiced and prepared as hard as she played the games, and always put her best foot forward.

Beth found great success in all three of the sports she played at AHS; field hockey, basketball and softball. When she took up field hockey in the fall of 1991, her freshmen year, she did it to keep in shape for basketball. It was a great decision on her part and very fortunate for Coach Gail Kelleher and the field hockey program. Beth’s style of play was always full speed, and according to Coach Kelleher, “Beth has a terrific instinct for the ball, and is able to get to it with her great speed.”  As a junior, Beth was the first player since AHS Athletic Hall of Fame member Kristy Gleason to score more than 10 goals in a season. At the time of her graduation, she was third in all-time scoring behind Gleason and another AHS Athletic Hall of Fame member Pam (Gleason) Holt. Her steady climb to success on the field hockey field led her to both the Cape Ann League Player of the Year Award, as well as being awarded a Boston Globe All-Scholastic in 1994. Beth was also chosen to play in the Best of 60 Senior All-Star Game, where the top 15 senior field hockey players from each of the 4 sections of the state come together to showcase their talent. Not bad for having just picked up a stick 4 years before!

In the winter season Beth could be found on the basketball court, where she played 4 years of varsity for Coach Perry. Perry, along with Coach Kelleher, had a big impact on Beth. Their beliefs in her abilities from the get go made her want to work hard. On the court, her self-proclaimed aggressive style of play served her well. She was a tenacious defender, always putting pressure on the ball handler, causing havoc. This led to many steals and lay ups. Fundamentally sound, Beth’s scoring prowess led her to 713 career points. One of Beth’s fondest memories occurred her sophomore season against Hamilton Wenham. She was fouled with no time left on the clock, with her team down by 1 point. Beth hit both ends of the 1 on 1 to win the game! Throughout Beth’s basketball career at AHS she was a Cape Ann League All Star and All League. In her 4 year varsity career she was also awarded the AHS Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Offensive Player, and Most Valuable Defensive Player.

On the softball diamond, Beth’s speed and instinct for the ball was put to good use in both left and center field. In the outfield she was able to track down anything that was hit her way. She also played second base for a season. One of her fondest memories playing softball for AHS came in a game “under the lights” in Newburyport. With a runner on third base, the ball was hit to Beth in center field. She made a running catch, threw a strike to the catcher at home plate, and threw out the runner trying to score after tagging up! Beth’s speed was also put to good use on the base paths where she routinely led the team in stolen bases. According to Coach Perry, “Whether Beth was playing left field or center field, batting first or last, or putting down a sacrifice bunt, she always answered the call.”  As in field hockey and basketball, Beth was recognized by the Cape Ann League as an All Star and All League player, as well as awarded the softball team’s Rookie of the Year, Offensive MVP and Defensive MVP awards over her 4 years of varsity play.

Coach Kelleher refers to Beth as the “ultimate competitor.” Says Kelleher of Beth, “Beth brought desire and fierceness to each and every game.  Although I only coached her in one sport, I thoroughly enjoyed watching her play all 3. In the heat of competition, Beth seemed tireless. Her natural amazing speed was never affected by how incredibly hard she played.”

Today Beth’s determination, speed, and competitive spirit have brought her more athletic success. She is a very successful marathon runner, having competed in many half and full marathons from coast to coast. Beth often comes in first! Those who know Beth are not surprised by her success. She has been successful in all her athletic endeavors. Coach Perry calls Beth an “excellent role model” for her constant hard work. As a teacher, wife, mother, and competitive runner, Beth continues to be a role model to many. She feels fortunate to have experienced the shots or types of plays in the field that as an athlete you dream about. She set the standard high for herself then, and it continues now.

Congratulations to inductee, Athlete Beth Peterson Dollas, Class of 1995.

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