2014 Review Fall

Fall Sports
Varsity Field Hockey
Coach Daphne Clyburn
The theme for the 2014 Varsity Field
Hockey season was “GLUE,” which stands
for GRIT, LEADERSHIP, UNITY, and
EFFORT. By working hard, leading by
example, playing as a team, and putting
forth full effort in every game and practice,
the team was able to improve tremendously
and finish the season with a winning record
(8-7-1).
The team consisted of 16 strong,
determined young women. We were
fortunate to have many returners, which
allowed us to focus heavily on advanced
skill development. Whether it was a
defensive jab or an offensive dodge, each
player made significant improvements with
her skills and ultimately gained greater
confidence on the field. We were also
fortunate to have the continued support of
assistant coach Elaine Thurman, whose
experience playing Division I Field Hockey
at Colgate University strengthened the
girls’ understanding of the game and drove
them to play at a higher level. Fifth former
Carissa Falanga served as the team’s
manager, but also stepped in as a goalie
throughout the season.
This year our offense was led by fifth
formers Emerson Younger and Lydia
Radley. Both have made incredible
improvements since their
second form year. Sixth
formers Doris Xiao and
Evie Hammer, Hannah
Lee (fourth form), and
Kendall Kothari (third
form) all made important contributions
as well. Lydia led the team with eight
goals and Emerson followed with five.
Hannah and Doris each scored one goal
during the season. The forward position
is a challenging one in that the players
are asked to hustle back help out on
defense, but must sprint back up the field
to potentially score a goal. With few of
these girls graduating, we look forward
to seeing the younger Saints’ continued
improvement next season.
Our midfield consisted of three
returning players, fifth former Louise
Dickinson and fourth formers Claire
Fulton and Elizabeth Fahey. These
three players worked relentlessly to play
offense and defense simultaneously. They
improved their ability to communicate
well and were central to the team’s success.
Elizabeth scored five goals throughout the
season, followed by Louise with three.
Claire scored one goal during the season,
and made five crucial assists. Their hard
work and determination without a doubt
contributed to this successful season.
MVP: Grace Fulton
MIP: Debbie Otenaike
Coaches’ Award:
Grace McFillen
Our defense continued
to excel this season and was
led by sixth form Captains
Grace Fulton (Most
Valuable Player) and Grace
McFillen (Coaches’ Award).
This dynamic duo fought relentlessly to
win back every ball and earned the trust
and confidence of their teammates through
their hard work in both practice and games.
Both brought strong field sense to the team
and were able to guide our newer defensive
players—sixth former Helen Liu and fifth
formers Debbie Otenaike (Most Improved
Player) and Coco Peng. Kristen Deiner
(fifth form) served as our goalie this season
and improved her agility and voice, which
earned her the respect of her teammates.
Kristen made over 80 saves this season.
Overall, the success of this season can
be attributed to many things. The girls
realized that by working hard, they could
improve and win more games. They also
recognized that when you are part of a
team, you are a part of something much
bigger than your individual position.
You may have one game where you shine,
and you may have one where you quietly
support—but both are important—and
together, they lead to success. I am honored
to have worked with this group of girls. I
look forward to seeing them grow in future
seasons. Finally, I would like to thank all
of the faculty, staff, students, family, and
friends who came to cheer us on at games.
You support is immensely important to us
and we truly appreciate you.
Debbie Otenaike, Grace Fulton, Coach Daphne Clyburn and Grace McFillen
32 | Review | Fall 2014