As the field hockey season wraps up, the Titans are looking forward to a semifinal regional match against Linganore High School. For the seniors on the team, this game is more than just another match; It is one of their last games, which will wrap up their final season in high school.
Courtney Turner, who has been playing field hockey since her sophomore year, shares her high school experience playing the sport. “It has allowed me to be more confident in myself and my choices, as well as urging me to put myself out there and try something new,” she remarks. She continues, “Field hockey has created memories and friendships that I’ll remember forever.”
With the term ending and senior year being a quarter of the way done, the emotional weight of this season is intense for Turner and the other seniors. “Without field hockey my life would be very different, both mentally and physically,” she admits. She further shares, “It has definitely helped me to stay healthy and aware of how I treat my body, however it has also helped me remember that not everything I do is going to be perfect on the first try; noticeable results require hard work and perseverance.”
Coach Hamilton couldn’t be prouder of the ten senior players on the team, “It was a difficult season, as the team faced many competitive teams, but it was so worth the effort because of the meaningful experiences the team had and the improvement they saw as individuals and as a team over the course of the 12 week season,” she notes. She further states, “One sports highlight were the goals that the field hockey team scored against Oakdale. They were so beautiful! Only happening as the culmination of so much focused and deliberate effort on the part of the players passing effectively and well planned off-ball positioning.”
Looking ahead to the rematch against Linganore, Coach Hamilton shows great enthusiasm. “I am excited to see the Titans field hockey team show off what they have practiced, learned, and purposefully changed in their play and attitude against a team that they have already played,” she says. She continues, “The support they give each other is incredible, even during tough times, everybody rallies together.” When asked if there is anything that could be done differently or something she expected from the team to do differently this season, she responds, “I believe you mean, ‘is there something I would want to go back and change from this season?’ If so: No, we (coaches, players, and everyone involved) learn from all of the decisions, choices, and pathways we take. These are the outcomes that form the way we view the world in the future and without these experiences, we will not make future resolutions in the best light without learning from past choices.”
This season has really shown the importance of teamwork, communication, and community spirit. As the seniors prepare for one of their last few games, they represent everything being a part of a sports team is about which is hard work, friendship, and passion. With the semifinals coming up, there is no doubt that these athletes will give their best effort and cherish these memories.
