Among the many sports teams at Vestal High School, in recent years, one has stood out significantly at a local and statewide level – the field hockey team.
Led by coach Vickie Sax and assistant coach Dan Greenman, the team has held an impressive count of 9 wins so far in the season, with more games still left to go before the postseason. The only losses came from Afton, Windsor Central, and Whitney Point, two of which are ranked first and second in the league, according to MaxPreps. The team has consistently performed well in the past, too. Last year, the team held a perfect record and didn’t get scored on once during the entire season. Also, Vestal gained particular recognition in the seasons of 2022 and 2023, when the girls claimed back-to-back state champion titles.
However, being part of the team has a lot more to offer than just accomplishment and recognition. Multiple athletes admitted that playing with their friends was a great source of motivation and enjoyment for them. In the words of junior Rachel Ouinett, “The group of girls that are here are just amazing, and the sport just brings people together.”
On the other hand, coach Sax testifies to how qualities reaped by team members benefit them later in life. “I think that in terms of life lessons, there’s no question that this sport carries over into life.” Specifically, she highlights one major attribute. “This particular sport takes a lot of teamwork,” she stated, adding that, as adults, when it comes to interviews or the workspace, these girls tend to do better since employers prefer team players, not individuals who try to play the hero.
Going into the postseason, the team’s strategy is to take it one game, one practice, one step at a time. As junior Elsa Hartman explained, “Obviously, we do wanna win states, we do wanna go all the way, but in order to do that, we’re just gonna take little baby steps.”
Eventually, whether the team’s run ends at districts or nationals, the girls are going to give everything they have out on the field.
Sources:
MaxPreps schedule: https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/vestal/vestal-golden-bears/field-hockey/schedule/
MaxPreps standings: https://www.maxpreps.com/ny/field-hockey/25-26/league/midstate-athletic/?leagueid=fb21e674-9855-4172-95f1-275351e5b578
