Halfway through the season, our Varsity Girls Field Hockey team has already shown impressive growth, both in skill and in spirit. Head Coach Ms. Duncan reflected on how the group has improved since the start of the fall term.
“Our skills have definitely improved, and our field hockey IQ has gotten higher,” said coach Duncan. “We’re better at making game decisions now. And beyond that, we’ve gotten closer as a group.”
That closeness extends off the field as well. Whether it’s “Friday cookie nights” or bonding during lift sessions, the team makes a point of spending time together. “We’re intentional about hanging out off the field,” Ms. Duncan said. “It really makes a difference in how we play.”
At the start of the season, the team set two major goals: T]to win more games than last year and to strengthen their culture of positivity and support. Ms. Duncan added proudly that, “we’ve already accomplished the first goal. And we keep revisiting our team values every week, which helps us stay grounded.”
One of the season’s highlights so far was the Family Weekend game against Holy Child. What makes that game so special is how every single player was played. Ms. Duncan shared more details of the game, “Our captain, Kate McKiernan, had a hat trick. Defense played really well, and it truly was a whole team effort from start to finish.” The team secured an outstanding 7-0 victory, with multiple players scoring and experimenting with new positions.
Even after tough losses, the team stays focused on improvement. Following a challenging 4-1 game against Hotchkiss, Ms. Duncan immediately adapted the next practice to address what the team needed most. “We got scored on twice from breakaways, so the next day, we built a drill around defending them,” she explained. “We always adjust our practice plans to focus on areas of growth.”
Motivation, Ms. Duncan added, also comes from small traditions that keep the team’s energy high. “We have this joke: if we win an away game, we get Starbucks,” she laughed. “It’s a little thing, but it keeps the mood light and the players motivated.”
Ms. Duncan has high praises of the team this year, “We’re a good team, and we just have to keep working hard for each other. Our focus is on staying positive, adaptable, and connected.”
When asked to describe this year’s team in one word, Ms. Duncan paused before smiling. “Maybe two: fun and competitive. We love to have fun but we balance that with hard work and determination. And I just love these girls.”
