NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Southern Connecticut State University Athletics is mourning the loss of Dr. Dora Metrelis, a member of the SCSU Athletics Hall of Fame and one of the early leaders of women's athletics at Southern, who died on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. 
 
Dr. Metrelis was the Owls' head field hockey coach from 1961 to 1976 and a member of the university's faculty until 1988, when she retired as Professor Emeritus of Physical Education. Over nearly three decades at Southern she coached, taught and mentored generations of student-athletes and future physical educators.

"Dr. Metrelis helped build the foundation of women's athletics at Southern. Her teams set a standard of excellence that still stands, and her influence as a teacher reached far beyond the field," SCSU Director of Athletics & Recreation Terrance Jones said. "Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the many former Owls whose lives she touched."

Under Dr. Metrelis, Southern field hockey had the best stretch in its history. Her teams went undefeated three straight seasons from 1963 to 1965, and the 1965 squad did not allow a goal all season. She finished her coaching career with an 81-31-30 record. In 1976, Metrelis guided Southern to the AIAW National Tournament where the Owls finished sixth out of 24 teams.
 
"Dr. Metrelis has made an extraordinary and lasting impact on SCSU, the field hockey program, and on my life that can't be measured in wins or accolades, but in the countless lives she has shaped and inspired," SCSU Field Hockey Head Coach Kelley Frassinelli said. "As my mentor and friend, her guidance, wisdom, and unwavering belief in me have meant more than words can express, and her lessons and legacy will stay with me for life. I will always be grateful."
 
Field hockey was only part of her coaching career. She also coached softball, basketball and badminton at Southern, and she was a well-respected official and instructor across the state. Her officiating earned her a place in the Connecticut Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. 
 
Her contributions to athletics and physical education were recognized by many organizations. She received the Connecticut AHPERD Certificate of Appreciation and Professional Honor Award, was honored by the Connecticut Field Hockey Coaches Association and was given honorary membership in the Eastern Association for Physical Education of College Women (EAPECW). In 2001, she was inducted into the Connecticut Field Hockey Hall of Fame as a college coach.

Southern inducted Dr. Metrelis into the SCSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018. The field hockey program has also honored her by naming its season-opening tournament at Jess Dow Field the Dora Metrelis Classic.

Dr. Metrelis earned her bachelor's degree from Russell Sage College, her master's degree from the University of Connecticut and her Doctor of Physical Education degree from Springfield College.

The Southern Connecticut State University Athletics family extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Metrelis' family, friends, former players, colleagues and students.