Worcester Tech’s field hockey program is back for the new school year and starting off their season with a brand new varsity team with girls in all four grades and with varying levels of experience.
Worcester Tech’s field hockey program is back for the new school year and starting off their season with a brand new varsity team with girls in all four grades and with varying levels of experience.
“This year is similar to my first year coaching six years ago,” Head Coach Mel Melkonian commented. The dedication the coach puts into her girls really pays off, both on and off the field. These players learn to love the sport in addition to trusting each other, gaining skills from what Coach Mel teaches them about both the sport of field hockey and life.
Coming off of a 2018 season record of 16-1-1 and clinching the title of CAL Champions, to a current record of 2-14-1 has impacted the team as a whole.“Going into this season, I knew it was going to be a rebuilding year,” says Coach Mel. After a loss of ten seniors, nine of which were starters, this year’s field hockey team started mostly from scratch.
With new players on the team, they are learning to love and support one another are by having pasta parties planned by the players. These parties include activities like tie-dying t-shirts, games, and plenty of desserts and food! The team bonding helps the players get to know each other off the field and improve their overall relationships.
“Our team is like a big group of best friends and we have really shown that we work better together when we can create bonds like this,” says Stacia Zoghbi, the varsity starting goalie.
The team also works every year to raise money for new equipment and team gear. The money raised from fundraising has been used to help better the team as a whole. This year, the girls sold calendar raffles for the month of October.
A portion of the money raised was used towards a workout bonding activity at Worcester Fitness for the Doherty High and Worcester Tech field hockey teams. There were two 30-minute workout sessions guided by instructors from Worcester Fitness that helped condition the team about halfway through their season. The overall experience showed the girls the importance of wellness and sportsmanship and the value of hard work.
The team has also benefited by getting new warm up shirts to wear before games, along with being able to wear the shirts in school to show team spirit. These were donated by The Committee to Elect Sean Rose, Worcester District 1 City Councilor.
Fundraising money is also going to pay for a team banquet held at Wright’s Chicken Farm to celebrate the successes and growth of the players and program. The girls are so thankful to all those in the Worcester community and beyond that donated, as they greatly benefit from their generosity and support.
After this year’s season, three seniors will be graduating, all of whom are starters. Tia Lidone, # 4, played as a forward, Josie Martell, # 12, as a center forward and left wing in midfield, and Hailey Doyle, # 13, is a strong defender.
“When I started as a freshman playing field hockey I didn’t know how far this team would go. Each year we made it to districts. This year compared to my freshman year is different- we are all about improving and learning to build up the program once again,” says Josie Martell.
Captains are chosen to help lead and manage team members in a positive and efficient manner. Senior Tia Lidone and Junior Sanantha Jude were voted as team captains for this year’s field hockey team.To many of the girls on the team, Jude and Lidonde are considered to be the most influential, hard working, energetic and encouraging players.
Lidonde always stays positive and supportive, on and off the field. “I always tell myself good job, but not only for myself, but for other teammates when they do a good pull, or pass to boost their confidence,” she says. This support is often what helps the team push through their games.
A lot of what the girls learn on the field is how to treat each other with respect and to support each other on and off the field, and Lidonde is a perfect example of how the team keeps their mindset positive during games.
Overall, the Worcester Tech field hockey team is working hard to better themselves even towards the end of their season. Hopefully by working in the off season and getting to know each other better, these girls will be able to make it to districts again next year.