One of the most common misconceptions about field hockey is that it’s “just ice hockey on grass.” However, there is so much more skill and strategy to the sport than what is taken at face value. In fact, field hockey is more closely related to soccer, which is why it’s an extremely popular second sport for soccer players. Field hockey is played with ten field players and one goalie. Players use a cane-shaped stick to dribble, pass, and hit a hard plastic ball. Like soccer, the field is strategically split up with forwards, midfielders, and defenders as players try to score and prevent goals.
The Girls’ Field Hockey program was founded in 1998. It has continued to grow and flourish over the years, becoming the strong and successful program it is today. You may see the team practicing everyday on Higgins Field after school, but have you ever wondered what really goes into preparing for games? Varsity captain Carolyn Cordoni (’26) describes what a typical practice looks like: “We usually start with a warm-up lap, and then dynamic stretches. We have skill schools, where we pass and do different types of stick work and then go into bigger game stuff like scrimmaging.” In addition to on-field practices, the team lifts weights twice a week for strength training. Practice is essential not only for developing skill and athleticism, but also establishing bonds between the players.
Cordoni has been playing field hockey at Saint Francis for the past four years. She appreciates the incredible teamwork and meaningful the friendships she has built with her teammates and how all the experiences that come with playing a sport such as practices, games, and everything in between, bring people together.
Freshman Nora Langenfeld is one of the newest additions to the team and she also emphasizes the importance of her environment: “My favorite part of the season has been all the amazing friends and the community I’ve been welcomed into.” She illustrates how much she has learned from her teammates and the exciting atmosphere they create together—particularly in their pre-game locker room hype sessions. It is one of the many traditions that make the field hockey season so memorable for the players. Langenfeld’s practices however, look a little different than the rest of the team; thanks to her position as goalie: “We kind of go our own ways and split into different drills. I get shots instead of shooting, so it’s like opposites.” In field hockey, goalies are heavily padded and try to block shots with their feet, hands, and chest. Despite lugging that weight around, they are exceptional at diving and maneuvering themselves to protect the goal.
The field hockey season runs from August through November, and it can be difficult to balance schoolwork with practices and games. Langenfeld mentions that while it can be challenging, the team has a great support system in each other and their coaches.
The varsity team is currently 18-2, dominating most games and having one of the best seasons in Saint Francis history. They are ranked number four in the state and 48 nationally. Come out to support them in-person as they make their way through the CCS playoffs! The goal is clear: “To make it to the finals and win,” Cordoni said.
