Meet the Captains: Girls Hockey

Catie Martin

When did you first begin playing this sport?

When I was about four or five.

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

Yes, I would like to play club hockey.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

It is hard to only pick one coach that has impacted me as a player. My current coach of the Walpole Girls Varsity team, Joe Verderber, has been my coach for four years now and has helped me gain confidence as a player since my freshman year and has helped me find much success playing on his team. I also have to mention my Uncle Tom who has coached me my whole life in club and summer leagues. Finally, my dad who has not been an actual coach of mine, but has always been a personal coach and ready to give me the best advice before and after every game I have ever played. 

What other activities/clubs are you involved in?

I also was a captain of the Walpole Swim and Dive Team and am the Sports Editor for The Rebellion. 

How do you feel going into this season?

I feel good going into the season. Coming off of a great run last year and losing the majority of our starting lineup including our goalie has been difficult, but we still have a strong roster of players and we are going to set high expectations for this season. 

What are some goals set for the team this coming season?/How do you plan to achieve these goals?

Our first goal is just to win the first game and continue to win games throughout the season. Our bigger goal that we have always set is making the tournament so that will come if we achieve our smaller goals that we have established from the beginning. 

Who are some big opponents/rivals? Why?

A big rival has always been Norwood, and they always come to play against us so that is going to be a huge game. 

 

Jenna Malone*

When did you first begin playing this sport?

I started skating at two and playing at five. 

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

Yes, I would like to play club.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

My father was my most prominent coach, and he has coached me for 10 years. He definitely made me the player I am today, and he always pushed me to work my hardest and would always help me become better

What other activities/clubs are you involved in?

Golf.

How do you feel going into this season?

Good, I think if we put in the effort, we will have a good season.

What are some goals set for the team this coming season?/How do you plan to achieve these goals?

We just have to take it one game at a time.

Who are some big opponents/rivals? Why?

I think Wellesley is going to be a big rival this year, after having them knock us out in the semifinals last season. 

 

Sophia Pacella*

When did you first begin playing this sport?

I started playing in second grade. 

Do you want to continue this sport in college?

No.

Who was a prominent coach in your sports career? Why?

Billy Malone because he coached me in club and always wanted me to be a successful player.

What other activities/clubs are you involved in?

Field hockey.

How do you feel going into this season?

We definitely lost a lot of players from last season, so it should be interesting to see who steps up and fills the roles.

What are some goals set for the team this coming season?/How do you plan to achieve these goals?

Our goal is too always make tournament, so we have to take it one game at a time and focus each week and not get caught up in future games. 

Who are some big opponents/rivals? Why?

A big game for us is always Norwood on New Years Eve, we always want to beat each other and there is player to player rivalry. 

 

*Assistant Captains