It is very unusual to see five freshmen on a varsity sports team but in late August this year, Megan Ross, Katherine St. Amand, Madeline Schnack, Natalie Pelser, and Bella Daehler all earned their posts on the Varsity Field Hockey Team.
Being on a varsity sports team as a freshman is a considerable achievement, but all of the new freshman teammates say they are prepared and excited for the high commitment and competition that comes with being on a varsity sports team.
During the three-month-long season, the team spends a large amount of time together, from practice every day after school for an hour and a half, to at least 2 games a week. Outside of their busy practice and game schedule, they go to team dinners, breakfasts, or just hang out together which makes everyone on the team really close.
Schnack a forward on the team says that she is looking forward to creating a closer bond with her teammates and getting to know more upperclassmen.
“I am most looking forward to getting close to the team and bonding with everyone, and especially looking forward to state week cause it sounds so exciting and fun cause the team has so many fun traditions that they do,” said Schnack.
The high intensity of a varsity sport can be a lot to handle, but as a freshman, there can be added pressure. Pelser a defensive member of the team said, “It was always a goal to make this team and all of the hard work has paid off.”
Other new freshman teammates shared the same excitement, “I will always remember the moment I found out I made varsity, and I walked out into the parking lot and the seniors all ran up to hug me with huge smiles on their faces,” said St. Amand. “Moments like those are what high school field hockey is all about.”
Because the team has been playing together for about a month now, the new girls have already been able to create unique memories with the team.
Ross, a defensive member of the team said, “No doubt the team room dance parties are 100%. It just makes everyone so hyped and happy before any home game.” These team dance parties have been her favorite moments on the team so far.
New freshman on the team shared their enthusiasm for the team’s annual trip to St. Louis for the Gateway Tournament. Daehler a defensive member of the team said, “The trip to St. Louis was definitely so much fun, and I think it helped our team bond more because we spent a lot of time together.”
St. Amand said that a sense of trust and a bond was built immediately as the season started. “There has never been a moment when I haven’t loved this team and the positive, energetic, environment,” said St. Amand.
Throughout the season the team has one major goal in mind, playing in the State Championship on Oct. 31. The freshmen on the team are ready to work hard and help make this goal a reality. They are thrilled about the opportunity to be playing in the State Playoffs for the first time.
