Despite having an overall losing record, the field hockey team wins in cultivating strong relationships among teammates. Consisting of seven seniors, one junior, ten sophomores, and four freshmen, the team focuses on a pre-season retreat at Camp Manitowa in Illinois to build unity.

“The traits we have to endure in order to stay committed to the game really brings forth some very strong, independent women,” said Mia Hicks-Thomas, senior. “We all have this in common, which I really think helps bring us together as a team.”

After cementing their bond at the retreat, the players find it easier to translate those skills onto the field.

“We value everyone’s strengths and what they bring to the team,” said head coach, Marisa Sheppard. “We talk a lot about the fact that winning is only accomplished by the team and that we need everyone on the same page to be successful. Our off-the-field team events also allow the girls to get to know each other beyond just teammates.

Lastly, I think that we paint a broad vision of success as a district-wide program and that encourages players to buy into our team culture. It gives them permission to express their passion for the sport and their teammates.”

Even typical team controversies are set aside for the good of the whole.

“The only issues we have come from our frustration of not winning games and the intensity at which we practice,” says Kayanna Wymbs, senior. “We don’t let issues off the field affect how we play or dictate what happens to us on the field.”

Work ethic drives their ambition to win games and work hard. Seniors represent the backbone of the team and provide the underclassmen motivation to work harder.

“The seniors are definitely a force to be reckoned with on the field,” said Hicks-Thomas. “We work very hard to keep the team driven, motivated, and focused on our goals.”

In particular, the seniors strive to ensure all their teammates are taken care of.

“The seniors help when needed or wanted,” said Justice Corn, junior. “They go out of their way doing things for us, like giving us rides, talking about personal things, and even words of encouragement.”