Katie Harvey
Senior Features Writer
The College of Wooster field hockey team has seen tremendous growth this season under the leadership of new Head Coach Jill Dixon. With a current overall record of 10-4 and a conference record of 6-4, the team has come out as a force in the NCAC, currently sitting third amongst the eight conference teams.
What has been a year of big transition for the Scots began with the introduction of Coach Dixon’s new team philosophy, which was agreed upon by players as focusing on communication, motivation and pride. Maeven Barry ’19 explained that Coach Dixon holds the players to high standards while giving them the tools, both mental and physical, to perform and execute on the field.
The team has seen a larger emphasis on conditioning in preparation for games, which, while being difficult, has paid off for the Fighting Scots squad.
With only 17 players on the roster, staying healthy is key to keeping a fresh bench rotation. Despite the challenges of having a smaller squad, the team capitalized on the advantages of their size.
“We play with the same people more often, so we have better flow and chemistry,” midfielder Sammi Pavlecic ’21 explained. Harriet Sudduth ’20 agreed, saying “the team dynamic has gotten closer over the season as we have continued to have success.”
This success can be seen in the team’s strong record and field dominance.
According to the players, this on-field chemistry translates off the field as well. Sudduth explained, “when we work together well on the field it only makes our relationships stronger off the field, too.”
The team, who stayed on campus for fall break, could be seen not only practicing daily, but also eating or cooking together, playing games and celebrating.
This strong team bond has been particularly apparent to the team’s three first-years. Ellie Sudduth ’22 explained, “the team helped ease the transition to playing college ball.”
As the team approaches the last weeks of their regular season, many reflect on goals for the rest of the season.
Barry explained that as a team, they want to “maintain positive morale and our productivity on and off the field.”
Harriet Sudduth added, “we have such a talented team and I think based on the track that we’re on right now, we have a great chance to really compete for the conference title.”
Support your Wooster Fighting Scots at their next home game on Oct. 20 against The DePauw University Tigers. Next, Wooster will play at John P. Papp Stadium to play the Earlam University Quakers on Sunday, Oct. 21. Go Scots!