Since my introduction to field hockey in seventh grade, I discovered a passion I was once unfamiliar with. As the sport is not common among young athletes in the South, I experienced quite the learning curve. But I quickly found parallels to my love of both running and playing soccer. Field hockey has enhanced my dedication to learning something completely new and opened a door to an incredible community.
At the age of three, I began my athletic career on the Fort Worth Youth soccer fields. Throughout my years, I was particularly driven by the ability to run, coordinate, and beat my opponents to the goal. From the Turkey Trot to Field Days, I always gravitated to the events that utilized speed. In Kindergarten, on the Polka Dots, my coach affectionately nicknamed me “The Hammer” as I was shockingly aggressive, contrary to my personality off the field.
After my first year attending Country Day as a sixth grader, it became time to choose what sport I would play in the coming fall. Much to my older sister’s chagrin, I chose field hockey. I kicked off my summer before seventh grade at FWCD’s youth field hockey camp, and I was instantly hooked.
During the camp, I was surprised by the number of skills I learned in soccer that also applied to field hockey. The rules of the game, however, are very different.
Succeeding two very formative and fun years within the middle school program, I made the choice to commit my time exclusively to field hockey and track and to retire my soccer career.
Shortly after school ended, I had a full circle moment and volunteered at FWCD’s field hockey camp. Seeing the younger girls so eager to learn and having the opportunity to be silly brought me so much joy. Forming relationships with the future of Falcon field hockey, as well as the upperclassmen, was a true gift before the season even began.
Throughout the summer, incoming freshmen had the opportunity to participate in club camps, team runs, and workouts, which further enhanced our bonds with our future team. I anticipated pre-season and tryouts would be nerve-racking, yet the environment was nurturing and refining.
I was lucky enough to be selected to be on the Varsity roster along with two other freshmen, Georgia Erwin ’29 and Dyer Knowles ’29. We took this responsibility and honor very seriously but still made time to impart humour and create many inside jokes and memories within the team community.
Dance parties and team meals alike showed us there wasn’t a moment we weren’t a part of the Falcon field hockey family. Coach Paige Chisholm ’87 immediately struck me as a charismatic coach who really cared for her players. And Coach Tara Chisholm ’12 showed exceptional leadership and acumen of the game. Their love for their team superseded their love for winning, which, ironically, was the greatest motivator.
I would be remiss not to mention my experience with the upperclassmen. From meeting me in preseason at the school to help develop my skills, to offering rides and, most importantly, offering encouragement on and off the field, I will be forever grateful for their mentorship and most of all friendship.
Despite the season ending, it will indelibly remain the most memorable and idyllic way I could have started my high school experience. The kind reception by players and coaches alike has informed me of how I plan to connect with others throughout the seasons. Being a team is much more than what happens on the field, it’s the lessons and love you carry forward that matter most.
