Debra (DiPadua) Tambeau was a standout goalkeeper for the women's field hockey team and captain of the 1973 squad. In her four years as the starting goalie from 1971-74, Tambeau helped anchor a young field hockey program with 15 shutouts and a 29-9-3 record in 34 games started.

It was in the postseason where Tambeau made her mark as a field hockey keeper as she helped the Lancers capture three consecutive Massachusetts State College Tournament titles in 1971, 1972 and 1973. In six tournament games Tambeau allowed just two goals pass between the pipes. In the 1971 Championship game, she blanked Bridgewater State in a 1-0 victory and in 1973 she registered consecutive shutouts of Salem State and Fitchburg to help the Lancers take home the crown.

Tambeau was recognized regionally for her efforts as she was one of the first Worcester State field hockey athletes to be recognized on the 1972 All-Northeast Regional All-College Field Hockey team which played exhibition games against teams from Wales and South Africa. The All-Northeast team also traveled to Illinois to compete against other college teams from around the United States. In 1973 Tambeau capped off her senior year with a selection to the Northeast College Field Hockey Association First Team.

After Tambeau graduated with her degree in Geography from Worcester State, she played for the Boston Field Hockey Association as a starting goalkeeper in 1974. Tambeau then became the Intramural Director at Quinsigamond Community College from 1975-78 before working for five years as the Director of Recreational Programs at the Lincoln Neighborhood Center in Worcester.

In 1981 Tambeau began a career in law enforcement and became a member of the Massachusetts State Police. In 1985 she obtained her master's from Anna Maria College. While she worked as a detective she taught Criminal Justice classes for Anna Maria and the Mass Criminal Justice Training Council. 

Tambeau is now retired and works as an Instructor for the Department of Children and Families and Worcester Children's Friend. Teambeau is also a Justice of the Peace. Debra has six children in age, ranging from 8 to 23 and she resides in Worcester.  

It is with great pleasure that we induct Debra (DiPadua) Tambeau into the Worcester State College Athletics Hall of Fame.