Paul Schreiber High School field hockey enters new year with new coach
A new school year and a new season of field hockey is on the horizon. For Schreiber’s varsity field hockey team, it’s a clean slate. This year, the Vikings will look to erase last year’s campaign with some new faces and a new head coach in Kathleen Lennon. This will be the Vikings second coach in two years.
The girls finished the 2014 season with a lowly 2-10 overall record and 1-9 mark in conference play. On top of that, they graduated eight girls. It wasn’t the greatest season, but they played their hearts out in some close games. In fact, seven of their 12 games played were decided by one or two goals. This year, expect a different dynamic compared to last year’s transitional process.
Lennon leads the team with third-year assistant coach Christine Hermann. Hermann also enters her 10th season coaching the junior varsity squad. So far, they are impressed with the leadership, camaraderie, talent and potential the girls have shown going into this season. Some of these players have been playing together for three seasons.
“The girls that are here really want to be here,” said Lennon. “A lot of the upperclassmen have done a really good job of stepping up and leading by getting into drills and helping the younger girls, which I really love to see.”
It’s going to be an interesting mix for the Vikings this season. As the veterans return to the field and know what to expect from these games, the younger players will also be able to step up and showcase their talent as the season progresses.
“I think there’s a lot of talent coming up,” said Hermann. “There are lots of fast hands, quick feet and girls that are true products of our system at Port.”
Some key players to keep an eye on are forwards Megan Maley and Shannon Rybecky and goaltender Vera Puglisi. Also, a couple of seniors and upperclassmen will be counted on, thus giving the younger players a run for their money.
One area of concern going into the new year will be to replace three of their midfielders who graduated last season. In order to do that, they will look to replace those players from within the junior varsity system.
As far as competition goes, some matches to watch in the Vikings season include contests against East Meadow, Seaford and Friends Academy.
“We’re looking forward to playing all the teams,” said Hermann. “We’re going to bring the competition to each one.”
Overall, while it is every school’s mission to win a championship, the Vikings are looking forward to the challenge. The team and staff are optimistic and excited for the season to begin as they are ready to play hard and give it their all whether they run practice or play in a game. The girls are ready to put last season in the rearview mirror as their up-and-coming players and returning veterans gear up for another season.
“Our goal is to have fun, but really work hard and teach them more about the game,” said Lennon. “Obviously I like to win, but as long as they improve and grow as people, that’s what my goal is.”
The Vikings will start their season on the road against Great Neck South on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Their first home game will be Thursday, Sept. 17 versus Seaford.