Early Success Of Girls Field Hockey: A Promising Season Ahead

As the leaves on Williams Hill begin to fall, the excitement around Westminster’s Field Hockey team begins to create talk on campus. With a current record of 5-0, the girls have established themselves as a fierce competitor, beating Ethel Walker, NMH, Kent, Pomfret, and Choate. However, they are not just winning games but creating a cohesive force that proves that hard work, preparation and passion will pay off. Their strong performance has not just prepared themselves for league success but has revitalized school spirit, galvanizing students, faculty, and parents in support of the team.

Nevertheless, this team has a lot of work to do, reflecting off their wins to see what they can do better. With upcoming games against Porter’s and Loomis, they will need to maintain high level practices and preparation. Coach MacKenzie has noted that they can do a better job of taking care of the little things, as well as continuing to bring the effort and support to each other. As serious as this team takes the season, she noted however, they still have fun at the end of the day (a possible contributor to their early success?) The coaching staff has also emphasized the importance of collaboration during practices, elevating the play of individuals and the team. Captains Hadley Crowther ‘25 and Allysen Whitehead ‘25 have said the team understands each other's personal strengths and weaknesses, allowing the team to capitalize on what everyone does well. As the season continues, it will become clear that they are transforming from a team to a family. 

Coach MacKenzie has been very excited to take over this group, getting to know them, and seeing them come together, especially over the last week. She loves seeing how the group of returning players and new players are bonding together. Her coaching philosophy has been based around team and player wants and needs. She knows that every year the team has something to achieve, and she is focused on getting the team together and putting them in the best position possible. As a coach she is committed to the standards of Grit & Grace, and believes in both to achieve sucess. The team's grit standards are pushing teammates to grow everyday, consistent effort, attitude, and working hard when nobody's watching. The team's grace standards are respecting themselves, others, the facilities, making the lives of teammates easier, and creating a sense of family to every member of the team. 

Captains Hadley Crowther and Allysen Whitehead are very optimistic about the rest of the season. They feel they have a solid group of returners, talk positively on the field, and are great at lifting each other up. The team has been adjusting to a new coach very well, as they were able to continue some of the team's traditions while learning new things. They have said that the team has a lot of speed and they can use that to their advantage, and they love being with each other working on team chemistry. In practice, they prioritize doing the basics well, having energy, and playing with purpose. They are very excited for the rest of the season!

As the Westminster Field Hockey team continues to grow and build on their strong start, the rest of season anticipation grows. After the rigorous preseason training, the girls are in a great position to have a standout season. As they prepare for their next  match, the players are focused on maintaining momentum and proving themselves to be a special group of kids!