Coach: Marianne Murphy
Captains: Katie Kelley and Meghan Murphy
Last Year’s Record: 18-0-0 (22-1-0 including playoffs)
Strengths: The return of 15 varsity players and a “terrific center fielder and goalkeeper,” Coach Murphy said in reference to center fielder Meghan Murphy and Goalkeeper Katie Kelley who continued to play lots of field hockey in their off season. “Their experience, Meg 3 years and Katie 4 years, on the varsity should be a source of comfort for the rest of the team,” Coach Murphy says, adding that they will be leaders to the rest of the players.
Concerns: As a whole, the team is young and inexperienced. Since last season, 10 seniors have graduated, leaving the team with 7 less starters than before. Also, aside from Katie, the defense is new. Many are playing in new positions alongside new people. Coach Murphy acknowledges the fact that “there will be an adjustment period for all.”
Coach’s Outlook: She knows that with each day, the team will feel more confident and comfortable with each other. She tells us that the team will need to give 110% each day. “Support, confidence, and trust of one another will be key!” she adds. But she has confidence that this varsity team, like the many that have come before them, will do just fine. “Together,” she concludes, ”they can achieve a great deal.”