Anybody who is a part of a sports team, knows just how much work is put into each and every practice and game. Players have to be dedicated and motivated, but sports are far more than that. Miss O’Connor, head coach of the field hockey team here at WTHS, is a firm believer in that sports take skill and sweat, but are also about friendships and support. Something that the field hockey team likes to refer to as the “Real Sisterhood.”

Last season the field hockey team had to adjust to many drastic changes. They lost 12 seniors, and had students who had never played before be put in JV and varsity. One of their key players, Kait Hatch, was injured, forcing them to play the entire season without her. And yet, O’Connor remained positive. “We had many challenges, but we had a great season.” She said. “Our whole thing is about reaching our potential.”

The field hockey team began their training for this season, in early august. O’Connor said they have a tough preseason that is long and demanding. The coach said, “The reason for this is because we have to prepare ourselves to be on the field until November.” The team prepares by conditioning for 30 minutes a day. They do skill work and learn new concepts. O’Connor said that the freshmen team, JV and varsity all practice together. “I purposely bring all three teams together.” She said. “I want the underclassmen to see how the upperclassmen work and get to know who they are looking up to.”

Even though the field hockey team trains physically to prepare themselves for the season ahead, It is the coaches belief the hard work unifies the player. “We work on things other than just field hockey. Just like a family. Family isn’t easy but you work on relationships every day to be better. People want to be a part of something like that.”

The field hockey captains, Colleen McAninley ’16, Jenna Patrone ‘16, Iris Shuck ‘16 and Kate shuck ‘16, also feel this way.

Kate Shuck says there is a lot of team bonding, and it is a great experience. That is how O’Connors sisterhood takes shape.

Patrone says that she has made some of her best friends on the team, and if anyone is thinking about joining, they should definitely go for it. Field Hockey Captain, Iris Shuck also adds,

“It’s a great experience and you’ll learn so much about yourself.”

September 19^th was the start of the new season. “It’s going well. Camden catholic has a really good team this year, so that should be a good game.” Says Patrone. The team ended up beating Camden Catholic on September 19, which they are very proud of.

O’Connor admits that even though she is proud of the teams wins, they haven’t necessarily been challenged yet. She says their biggest opponents ahead are Eastern, which everyone knows as the number one programs team in the country and Shawnee.

O’Connor’s and goal for this season are that the team is competitive in all games, that never lose to someone they should have beaten, but above all, win or lose, leave it all on the field and always give

Is her team prepared for this? O’Connor said, “My job is to make sure they are.”