Maintaining high grades while ranked in the top five of her class, Mia Hicks-Thomas, senior, excels in balancing the demanding schedules of field hockey and school.

“I have to know where my priorities lie and organize my time accordingly,” said Hicks-Thomas. “In past years it has just taken knowing that if I want to play, I need to be proactive with my time.”

Prioritizing school before sports, Hicks-Thomas takes her education seriously, not allowing sports to interfere with her academic excellence.

“I really want to go to the school that has the best educational program possible for my interests,” said Hicks-Thomas. “I don’t intend on making my decision with field hockey being the number one thing in mind, but if it is offered I will definitely play.”

Allowing field hockey to be a part of her life, Hicks-Thomas has grown to let it affect her decision making.

“It’s a way for me to be accountable for my health and fitness,” said Hicks-Thomas. “I love the sense of community it creates, both on and off the field. I have made so many friends and met some very inspiring, ambitious people through field hockey. The endorphins you get from being intensely active are a plus as well. Field hockey is really an outlet for me physically, mentally and emotionally. If I’m having a bad day, I can get it all out on the field. It’s everything.”

Thomas has cultivated success and leads by example.

“Mia is well respected by her teammates and coaches,” said head coach Marisa Sheppard. “Her teammates know that she can be relied upon to deliver with her skills on the field and to set a great example of what a responsible and dedicated player is. As coaches, we have seen Mia develop into a very smart and strong player on the field. We can always count on her to do what needs to be done, to be committed to our team’s success and to work hard.”