Rhythmic thudding of sticks on the turf, clashes for the ball, and echoing cheers from the stands carried in the autumn breeze. The turf is dim under the setting light, and all of the athletes work to do their part for the team.
Field hockey exists as a sport and a puzzle, a team of individual players who each must do their part to become a collective force to unlock the patterns of success.
The Atholton varsity field hockey team made their mark this year, winning multiple games throughout the county and beyond. The team conquered schools this season such as Wilde Lake, Oakland Mills, and Hammond High School during the season.
The essence of the sport extends beyond mere competitions; a substantial portion of the season is devoted to the players wholeheartedly committing to rigorous practice sessions, honing their individual skills, bringing their expertise together to fit as a team, and preparing for the upcoming games.
“When we get there [to practice], everyone starts warming up, passing and then doing a lap around the field to get their bodies warmed up, and we stretch,”
explained Ms. Belson, the varsity field hockey coach. “Depending on when in the season it is we will do some conditioning, so maybe some sprints and after that we’ll do stick skills to get our sticks going. Then we split up between JV and varsity and work on whatever skills we need to be working on at that point. Something like defensive communication or any sort of drills that will help us be more successful in a game.”
The season’s triumph was forged through unwavering commitment during intensive practices. Not only did the team emerge successful from multiple games in the regular season, but they also made it to regionals.
Ms. Belson, who played field hockey in college for St. Mary’s College of Maryland, described that when she completed her career as an athlete she “knew I still wanted to be involved with field hockey,” and that she is elated to share a sport that has meant so much to her with others.
This was her first year as the head coach of the program, though she has been assistant coaching for the past several years.
“I was very happy with this season,” she said. “I’ve seen the same players on the team for the past couple of years and I feel like they have all stepped up this year in different ways, grown both as players and leaders.”
The players also felt this positive development during the season, mentioning enjoying the growth they had as a team and the special moments for each of them that made this season an unforgettable one. Senior Madeline Joy recounted, “My favorite part was scoring a goal on senior night.”
In addition to the in-county matches that the team won, on October 18th the team played a home game against Northeast Senior High School, which they won 4-0.
Following this game, they played an away game against James Hubert Blake school on October 26th as their regional semi-final game. They emerged victorious with their best score this season, 8-0.
Coach Belson noted that this game was one of her favorite aspects of this season. “It was a really cool moment because we were playing on a field that we weren’t used to. Their passing, their communication, their stick work was all just coming together… It was one of those moments where it was just so exciting.”
Ella Greenwood, a defensive player, agreed that this was her favorite part of the season as well because the team won by a significant margin and that all the players worked together to obtain victory.
Heather Bell, a mid-field player, recounted that her favorite part was the bus ride back from that game. “We were blasting music and dancing… it will always be one of my favorite moments.”
The team unfortunately did not win their regional match on October 31st against Reservoir High School, meaning their season came to an end that night. Still, the coach and players considered this season a highly successful one.
“Even though our record might not show as many wins, I still feel as though it was a very successful season in the way all the players grew individually and as a team,” said Ms. Belson.
Beyond the practicing, the hard work, and the games, field hockey is about a team and the bonds created through the sport. As Bell said, “I love my team so much. We are like one big family.”