The field hockey team, unlike many clubs and groups, is far from obscure or unknown. Their Homecoming float dominates the parade every year, thanks to the help of handyman Derrick Coley, father of a former field hockey player. Several different field hockey T-shirts can be seen around the school, most recently the gray model emblazoned with the slogan “U Win, You Lose.”

Coach Sheppard admits, “I’m a big fan of advertising.”

In fact, so many girls try out that the coach is forced to make cuts. The current field hockey team has 31 players on varsity and junior varsity. There are players from every grade, including 13 seniors, who provide experience, skill, and leadership.

“They’re a very experienced group,” said Coach Sheppard. “Most of these girls have been playing since seventh grade. That’s about six seasons. They’re very passionate and dedicated… there’s talent, lots of talent, in the class of 2013.”

At a recent practice, the girls completed a lengthy series of drills as a warm-up. Subsequently, groups of three to four athletes worked on passing and dribbling the ball across increasing distances (eight meters, then 12 meters, then 20) and various different formations. They also practiced their goal shots, aiming for the corners of the box, while Coach Sheppard personally trained the goalies.

The overall atmosphere on the field hockey team is one of great support.  Many players have nothing but respect for their teammates and speak very highly of them. In practice, athletes are dedicated to helping each other perfect their strategies. When one girl failed a goal shot and proclaimed she couldn’t “get it right,” the immediate response from her teammate was, “Yes, you can!”

Even injured athletes are eager and absorbed in the practices. Kaicee Woods, senior, still recovering from a knee injury, sat in the stands and watched raptly as her teammates continued to work on their formations. Eventually, she suited up and headed back into the fray. Woods is one of the seniors who has been playing since seventh grade.

“We all just got better and became better [over the years],” said Woods.

Near the end of practice, the team gathered round to discuss any sorts of problematic patterns to work on. Most dialogue was between Coach Sheppard and her experienced seniors.

“We need quicker releases,” said Camisha Luellen, senior. Addy Adewale, junior, suggested the team needed better communication on the field and sounder decision making in crisis. “If we’re not thinking about it, we’re not going to do it right,” explained Ursula Monaghan, another senior.

Of course, there is an obvious problem with having such a strong senior team: what happens next year?

“The con side is, of course, that when they leave there will be quite a vacuum,” said Coach Sheppard. “That’s why it’s important to work on building up the juniors and sophomores, and freshmen.”

Will the field hockey team be able to bounce back next year?

“They’re getting really skilled,” said Woods. “They’re going to be good, they’re really improving.”

Coach Sheppard agrees. “I have faith in our kids’ work ethic, and I also believe in the system I’ve created … Yes, it’ll be an adjustment, but I don’t think it’ll be the end of the world.”