After a summer apart, the girl’s field hockey team reunited on July 29 at training camp. With 32 freshmen trying out, the team has almost doubled in size.
“The freshmen are doing really well! They are picking up skills quickly and seem to have a lot of enthusiasm about the sport,” sophomore Emily Wind said.
Varsity has three returning seniors Lindsey Erwin, Claire English, and Taylor Russell. The team also has two freshman starters: Ally Wagner and Ashley Avery.
“When I made varsity, I was really surprised but really happy at the same time. My goals for the year include doing the best I can and growing as a player along with getting to know my teammates better,” Wagner said.
Team bonding is also part of the schedule. The team is planning a spaghetti dinner fundraiser and is selling sunglasses and water at Red and Blue Night, Friday Aug. 23.
“I’m excited for the team bonding and getting to know my teammates especially the ones I did not play with last season,” senior Lindsey Erwin said.
The team shares turf time with boy’s soccer so the practice schedule is varies. Both JV and varsity practice after school daily with the times alternating between 3-5 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m.
“The new practice schedule is a little difficult. You just have to make sure you know what days are early practices and which ones are late ones. Sometimes it’s nice to have late practices because we don’t have to bring all of our stuff to school,” Wind said.
The field hockey team’s first game is on Thursday, August 29 against Parkway North on the football stadium at 4:15 p.m.
“The team would love for everyone to come out and support us for our first game! I’m really excited about the potential both teams have. Skills from previous players have improved and the new players are learning skills so quickly. This year is going to be a good one,” Wind said.
Field hockey is ready to begin this season with fresh players and high expectations.