By Tessa Woodring News editor
for 10 years now, and my field hockey career just recently ended with one of the greatest seasons of my life.
My mom played field hockey during her high school years, and she was the main reason why I wanted to start playing when I was in seventh grade. Every little girl’s dream is to be just like her mom when she grows up, so naturally I wanted to do everything that she did.
I fell in love with the sport as soon as I picked up my first field hockey stick and stepped on the field. I lived for practice everyday. I got to see all my friends and play the sport that I loved.
When I got to high school, I was so excited to be able to compete at a higher level. During my sophomore year my team came in second place in our district, and I received a silver medal. That was when I first got a little taste of almost being a champion.
My senior year season was filled with ups and downs. My team and I beat our rival opponents in an intense game that went into overtime. However, we did not make it past the second round of districts. It was after my senior season ended that I knew for sure I made the right decision about continuing my field hockey career in college.
I chose Susquehanna because I loved the campus and academic programs, but also because I loved the team and coach. I came on an overnight recruiting visit during my senior year, and that made my decision final. I loved the team that I got to spend 24 hours with, and I wanted to be a part of it.
I will tell anyone who asks, deciding to play a collegiate sport was the best decision I have ever made. The team that I joined when I came to Susquehanna became my family, and every year new members were added to that family.
The support system that my team provides for each other is indescribable. I know that every single one of my teammates had my back on the field and will always have my back off the field. I can honestly say that I love and care for every single person that has been a part of my team here at Susquehanna.
I can recall moments from every season that I know I will remember for the rest of my life. However, this past season with my team was the most memorable one. Not only was my team the most successful it has ever been in my years at Susquehanna, but we also were able to overcome many obstacles.
In the preseason poll, we were predicted to come in fifth place in our conference. We ended up coming in second place. We beat our biggest rivals in the semi-final game of playoffs.
Losing to the number one ranked team in our conference in the championship game was, of course, disappointing, to say the least. However, I could not be more proud of what my team has done.
My team made my last season something that I will remember for the rest of my life. They have provided me with support and experiences that I will never forget.
I sometimes think about what my college career would have been like if I had chosen to not play field hockey. I know that it would have been very different, and I know that I would not have made amazing connections like I did with the people on my team.
I cannot thank my teammates enough for all they have done for me. To constantly know that I have 29 people backing me up and 29 people I can go to when I need someone to talk to is a feeling that I believe everyone should have.
I am so glad that I fell in love with the sport of field hockey when I was in seventh grade.
I am so glad that my mom encouraged me to get on that field and be a part of a team, and I am so glad to call the girls, who I consider my sisters, my teammates.
The editorials of The Quill reflect the views of individual members of the editorial board. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire editorial board or of the university. The content of the Forum page is the responsibility of the editor in chief and the Forum editor.
