As the fall sports kicked off, the field hockey team welcomed new faces to the team, some who had never picked up a stick before this year, seniors Neve Rodriguez, Taya Hall, and sophomore Lilly Nielsen as they all express, they joined the team not just to learn a new sport but to grow connections and make the most out of their year.
“I figured, since it was my senior year, I wouldn’t have another opportunity to branch out and try something new,” Hall said.
Hall, who has been playing tennis since her junior year, said she joined field hockey for the similarities the sport had to tennis; she added that it was a positive addition to her senior year.
“Winning as a team is a lot better than winning individually,” Hall said. “The practices are such a great environment, and I love the people on my team.”
Additionally, Rodriguez, who also has played tennis, joined field hockey for the first time for similar reasons: to have fun with friends and try something new before graduating.
“It’s my last year in high school, so I really wanted to just have fun and try something new,” Rodriguez said. “It’s definitely harder to hit a ball with a stick than a tennis racket, but my teammates have taught me how to hold the stick and actually understand what I’m doing.”
The support from her teammates made an impactful difference for Rodriguez.
“The most rewarding part is being part of a team where people encourage you when you mess up,” Rodriguez said. “Even if you miss a goal, they always let you know it’s okay and that you’ll get it next time.”
Joining her sophomore year, Nielsen has made friendships with teammates instantly.
“We all connected immediately. Everybody’s so nice, we’re all like best friends,” Nielsen said.
As the season goes on not only look forward to improving their skill but also the new connections and friendships they have developed within the season.
“Field hockey made my senior year better because I’m making new connections and I’m meeting more people,” Hall said. “And I think that is something that I didn’t really have my other year. So I think it’s really good that I’m branching out socially and trying more things my senior year”
