On October 30th, the Montrose JV Field Hockey team of Fall 2023 met for the last time of the season, but not for a formal game. It was our end-of-season group party, and as girls filled the cafeteria for the event, the exuberant zeal of the team came with them. Everyone was laughing, smiling, telling and listening to each other’s stories, all as one big group. The joy of those moments is the perfect snapshot of our team: a group of girls, all brought together from various grades, to play field hockey and grow as friends in the process. At every game and practice, we arrived not only ready to take on the challenges the day would present to us, but as one team, working to support and lift up one another. A team like this is a true gift, one that I will never forget.
The season had a bit of a late start because of the unusually rainy September, which usually rained through our practices. In spite of this, the whole team jumped right into the season ready to give our all. Our practices and home games took place at McCarthy Field on Hospital Road in Medfield. Every practice began with a half-lap around the field and circle stretches as a group. Then, we moved on to some drills. Drives, push passes, dribbling, and triangle passing are just some of the techniques that our coach, Mrs. Skerry highlighted in practices. We played in many scrimmages and three-versus-two matches, along with many other drills to improve our tactical skills.
Our first game was an away game against Dexter Southfield, and Mrs. Osborne, one of Montrose’s Varsity Field Hockey coaches, came to the game with us to give us some tips and tricks as we played. As the game progressed, there was so much improvement within our team, and everyone was so excited about each other’s victories and hard work. Even though we did not win the game, the whole team came off the field proud of everything that we proved we could do and all of the improvement we perfected for the following game. Big thanks to Coach Osborne for all of her help during our game! We could not have done it without her!
With every passing game, our team continually improved. We all worked on passing, maneuvering the ball past defenders, and spreading out on the field. Every game, we were just that much closer to scoring our first goal. Finally, at our game against St. Columbkille, we scored our first goal within the first few minutes! Our whole team was ecstatic, congratulating each other on our victory. The remainder of the game followed suit. All of the hard work we put into the season had paid off, and we took this energy from our win to the rest of the season. We continued to work hard at improving our skills as a team, playing well in yet another game.
On behalf of the whole Montrose JV Field Hockey team, I want to say a special thank you to our coach, Mrs. Skerry. She worked so hard this year to plan enriching practices, taught us important lessons about the game, and ensured that we all had a terrific season. Her dedication to the team is unforgettable, and we will forever be in her debt.
Lastly, I want to thank all of the players on the 2023 team. We had a terrific season that I did not want to conclude. From all of our practices, games, and get-togethers, innumerable memories were made. This was a season that I will never forget. Thank you!
By Elisabeth Smith ‘28, Middle School Editor
28esmith@montroseschool.org
