Joanna Cheng ‘29 and Jaewon Lee’ 29
The St. Mark’s JV Field Hockey team’s impressive undefeated streak may have ended last week, but their incredible and supportive team spirit remains stronger than ever. With a solid record of 4 wins, 1 loss, and 4 ties, this team has proven that success is measured not just on the scoreboard, but in the sportsmanship built on and off the field.
The season kicked off with a powerful start, with wins against Middlesex (2-0) and Brooks (2-1). The team demonstrated resilience through a series of hard-fought ties against strong opponents like Lawrence Academy, BB&N, Nobles, and Milton Academy, each game their strong defense and ability to keep pushing, staying hungry for the ball till the last minute. The team was also marked with a dominant 4-0 victory over St. George’s.
Notably, one of the most astonishing ties was against Milton Academy. During the first three quarters, the team was losing 0-1. However, the team spirit was still as high as ever, with teammates cheering relentlessly. This resilience and unwavering support paid off as during the last 30 seconds of the last quarter, Lucy Taylor ‘29 tucked a goal and turned the game into a 1-1 tie.
While a 1-3 away game against Governor’s marked their first loss, it did little to dampen the team’s morale. A recent game over Rivers highlighted this point as they immediately secured a 4-2 win.
Head Coach O’Connell, who has led the team for two years, credits the group’s diverse makeup for their success. “One of the biggest contributors to the success of the team on and off the field is the range of age and experience on our team,” she said. “Our team represents all grade levels and a variety of skill levels. It’s been wonderful to see how each and every player has contributed… from cheering on the sidelines, to sharing tips about stick skills, to being willing to step into a position they haven’t played before. This team is the definition of cooperation over self-interest.”
With 25 players on the roster, O’Connell had to get creative to ensure everyone had playing time. “We created groups of two or three people per position, and during the game, they call each other off after a certain number of minutes,” she explained. “It’s not a perfect system, but it gives players agency and helps them develop communication skills. A system like this wouldn’t be possible if players weren’t team-oriented.”
A defining feature of this year’s team has been its spirited culture and sense of humor. Known for their playful energy, the players have given themselves and each other nicknames, calling the team “The Avengers” and dubbing standout senior Mae Bartlett “Mae Runner,” a nod to the film The Maze Runner. “The team has a very strong community aspect to it, which is what makes our games so fun,” Bartlett said.
With a current record of 4-1-4, the Lions look ahead to their final contests of the season, facing Thayer Academy away on Wednesday, October 29th, and Tabor Academy away on Saturday, November 1st. They will then play their final home game at St. Mark’s against Groton on Saturday, November 8th.
