Team has talent, spirit, intensity, and blend of seasoned and new players
By Alyssa Romasco
As the number three seed for the past three years, the Green Terror field hockey team is determined to make the next step.
“We focus on attainable goals. The girls know we need to kick it up a notch this year, and, that first weekend in November, win the semi-final game and play in the finals Sunday afternoon,” said head coach Melissa Miranda.
The season began with a rigorous preseason schedule that worked the team hard. With a schedule that includes six nationally ranked teams, Miranda and her assistant coaches designed workouts to prepare the girls for the intensity of the season ahead. The first six games of the season included four of the ranked teams.
Miranda is confident in her players’ skills.
“We’ve got the girls we need to win. From the defense, to the mid-field, to the attack, we have a solid team all around,” Miranda said, adding, “We have very versatile players, a huge difference from last season.”
Miranda hopes to develop her younger players with the fundamentals needed for the college game. She expects her upperclassmen to lead as a group, providing as examples for the freshmen and sophomores, and maintain the competitiveness of the program.
Over the summer, the head field hockey coach from the University of Maryland ran a camp at McDaniel for high school teams.
Girls from McDaniel’s field hockey team, along with players from the University of Maryland’s field hockey team, provided high school players with knowledge and critique.
Miranda attributes much of her players’ success from having to transfer their knowledge of the game to the younger players. The girls had to self-fix themselves in order to teach and coach.
Not only guided by their athletic skills and knowledge of the game, the girls benefit from strong team chemistry.
“Our team is incredibly close; we are best friends on and off the field. The freshmen are really stepping up and fitting in so well with the returning players. It’s not easy being a freshman on any team, but our girls are great,” said senior Kelly Waterman.
The team is lead by senior, Lee Oliver, a two sport athlete (field hockey and lacrosse), and goal keeper, junior Erica Wawzyanick.
According to Miranda, the girls complement each other with their different leadership styles.
“Lee pushes the girls to do their best with intensity, and Erica looks out for the girls, maintaining a strong team unity,” Miranda said. “There is natural leadership this year; we really trust our captains.”
The Green Terror field hockey team appears to have a good foundation that has led to early season success on and off the field. The girls travel to Ursinus for their next game, October 13, at 1 p.m.