At 3:29 p.m., over 40 female students at Fluvanna County High School rush to the practice field, located beyond the football field, to prepare for the school’s sixth season of field hockey.
Field hockey is a primarily girls sport that has recently gained popularity. The team is led by Head Coach Jenny Payne and Assistant Coach Shannon Opie. Both are enthusiastic about the upcoming season.
“We have many returning players and a lot of new faces trying the sport for the first time, which is great for the sport of field hockey and the growth of the program. Everyone is improving and learning each day, and I am looking forward to the continued growth of each girl in the program,” said Opie.
This year, the field hockey team has welcomed 14 new JV players and three new varsity players for a total of 17 new players.
“We lost many players last year, but it was nice to see so many new girls join the team,” said senior attack player Katie Bond, who is a five-year veteran player.
The team member has also had the guidance of a new volunteer coach, Jen Parnell Kalinosky, who assists with the JV team on which her daughter, Caroline Dahl, plays. Kalinosky, who has experience playing club field hockey at the collegiate level, also assists varsity by demonstrating stick-work, explaining plays, and answering questions.
“Coach Jen is so amazing at helping us reach our full potential. She’s always giving us critiques to make us better players,” said sophomore Mallory Esch, who is a midfielder on varsity.
“There are many new people on JV and varsity. At the start of the season, it’s going to be kind of rough, but I hope we improve,” said junior Megan Drumheller, a four-year veteran defensive player.
Some players feel that recent improvements to the team are noticeable, including the team’s game against Steward Private School on Aug. 22. The field hockey team scored one goal by three-year veteran player Alex Fuller. The team also played Northumberland Public School on Sept. 7, where senior and three-year veteran defensive player Desiree Scott scored two goals.
If you’re not sure exactly how field hockey differs from other sports, here is an overview. Field hockey is played with a stick and a ball. The field hockey stick is usually composed of carbon, fiberglass, or aramid. The ball that is played with is either solid plastic, rubber, or cork-centered, and weighing five and a half ounces. The team plays on a turf field, and the objective is to score goals in the opponents’ net by passing the ball down the field to teammates using one’s stick or scoring in the goal by oneself. There are 11 players on the field at a time: a goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, a sweeper, and forwards.
The FCHS team includes two goalies: sophomore Lexi Wagner for JV and junior Savannah Peterson for varsity.
“Being a goalie is a unique position that I’ve excelled in. It helps me be a better leader on and off the field, and it’s allowed me to create so many bonds with so many incredible teammates. Goalkeeping is more than just stopping balls, it’s about communicating with the team. I see so many things others can’t and it’s my job to point it out. Overall it’s an incredible experience I’d recommend to anyone,” said junior and varsity goalie Savannah Peterson.
With all of the excitement among new and existing players that comes with a new season of field hockey, there are also some bittersweet feelings among senior players who know that this will be their last year playing field hockey in high school.
“With this being my last year, it is nerve-racking thinking about all of the past “seniors” and knowing I am now within that category. I will miss field hockey. It’s a great sport with amazing people, and just seeing how the team has progressed is so exciting. Our morality throughout the team has increased so much and it’s so fun to see everyone come together,” said senior and five-year veteran player Emmalyn Whyte.
The field hockey team has the opportunity for a successful season, as it has new players, a new volunteer coach that assists the team during practices, and experienced players that are ready to make their mark on the field. Many of the girls on the team are excited for the season to begin.
“Field hockey is such a fun and unique sport and it is such an important part of my life. I have high hopes for this season and I really think if we work as a team, we can push through and win,” said freshman Zoe Jeffries.
The next home field hockey game at FCHS will be played on Sept. 19 against Albemarle High School. JV will play from 5:30-6:30 p.m., while Varsity will play from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on the football field.
