Malyna Hodge

On Aug. 13, Lady Barons practiced on the pitch to prepare for their season. As practice commenced, they are warming up before their drills for the day.

On Aug. 4, girls field hockey began their tryouts in which the turn-out rate was much higher than expected. In previous years, girls field hockey has only had enough players–roughly twenty–to make up one varsity team. However, due to the massive player increase seen this year–a total of approximately forty players–a JV team has been added.

To some, this increase may appear random; however, girls field hockey had a few accomplishments in their previous season that went under the radar. The team’s performance in the league championships last year likely played a role in recruiting new players. Senior varsity player Xylari Valdez commented on what she believes drew in the most recruits for this season.

“I think seeing us win [the] league last year and being so successful was definitely an eye-catch for some students, as well as having a good program in the middle school,” Valdez said. “I think playing with more players is always good and helps us in several different ways.”

Being on the team for both her junior and senior year, Valdez has been able to view the differences between the smaller and larger rosters. Both the program at Bonita Vista Middle (BVM) and the Lady Barons’ recent performance are very likely factors as to what encouraged new players to join. Senior Varsity Captain Natalia Gil made a similar comment regarding the motives that may have sparked the interest of new players.

“The biggest force drawing new players to join was probably the new school year; we got to work with some of the girls at the middle school level who just [got] promoted to the high school,” Gil said.

Gil has played on varsity since her freshman year of high school, and shares a similar perspective to Valdez. Both Gil and Valdez agree that field hockey’s biggest appeals are currently the program offered at BVM and their recent championship. However, not every newcomer is there for those reasons. Freshman Varsity player Gemma Mashburn explains what motivated her to try out.

“This is my first year playing field hockey. My best friend encouraged me to join and the sport was described as similar to soccer, which I played previously. I think the overall word of mouth from students that had played at the middle school and high school was the biggest drawing force for new players,” Mashburn said.

Though a larger roster may appear to be purely beneficial, there are cons to everything. Gil provides her insight on the benefits and disadvantages of the previously smaller program.

“The benefits included having a tighter-knit team and knowing how everyone plays individually. The challenges were the lack of subs and limited flexibility in positioning, which made games more difficult,” Gil said.

Whether the Lady Barons have twenty or forty players, success is always strived for. As the season progresses, the players will adjust to the many newcomers, and advance even further than they have previously. Gil describes what her ideal team would look like, while also expressing her hopes for the upcoming season.

“My ideal team is one that supports each other, win or lose. A team with great chemistry can always outperform a team with just individual talent, and that camaraderie is what makes a team truly successful,” Gil said. “I am very excited and ambitious about this upcoming season. With our move into a new league, I have high hopes for the team and want to make my last season the best one yet.”