The start of the fall sports season marks the beginning of an important part of Lancer spirit and community. Since early August, Saint Francis’ Varsity Field Hockey Team has been out on Higgins Field preparing for their season. Going 3-1-1 in their pre-season, the team will continue league play through late October. But have you ever wondered what exactly goes into preparing our field hockey team for success?
Practice is crucial to any team’s growth, as it builds fundamental skills that are executed in games. A standard week for Lancers involved in field hockey includes two games and three practices. Sophia Cordoni (’25) describes what the team does during these practices: “A typical field hockey practice consists of warm-ups, conditioning, drills, and then scrimmaging at the end of practice.” The team also lifts every Friday to build strength and agility. Not only do practices help with individual play, but they also allow the players learn each other’s playing styles.
Additionally, the field hockey team has created a distinct pre-game routine to prepare for their games. A good warm-up sets the tone for a game, enabling players to enter the game strong both physically and mentally. Cordoni says, “To get ready for games, we start with a big hype session with music in the locker room, and then we do specific cheers to get us focused.” Ashley Henderson (’26) adds, “I love our pregame routine because we get pumped up while also preparing ourselves for the game.”
All student-athletes are well-versed in the difficulties of managing school along with their sport. With intense practice schedules and tons of homework, it can feel like there is not enough time to get it all done. Henderson says that “sometimes it can be stressful making sure that everything gets done in time. It is especially hard when I have tests and long homework assignments.” Cordoni agrees but adds that “our coaches and teammates are really supportive, so that makes it a lot easier.”
The team also has traditions that bring them closer together, strengthening their bond on and off the field. Cordoni says that one of her favorite traditions is playing the alumni game, where the varsity team plays against a team of coaches and other alumni who have similarly been through the Lancer Field Hockey Program. Not only is the game a great opportunity to connect with alumni and meet some former teammates, but it also gives the team a chance to learn and carry on a legacy.
Furthermore, after Monday practices, the team has dinner together, where parents bring food and drinks. The team appreciates parents taking time out of their day to help set up and make them food so that they can all enjoy a delicious meal. Henderson describes the dinners as convenient and “fun because when my legs are tired, I get really good food right away while also being able to talk to my friends.” Stella Farwell (’25) adds that she “loves eating with the team. Carbs are the best way to start the week!”
Another tradition that everyone is looking forward to is Senior Night. This year, the team will honor its six seniors on October 27 at 7 P.M. on Higgins Field at their last league game against Valley Christian High School. Cordoni emphasizes the importance of “making senior night so special and fun,” both for the graduating seniors and for other team members, who make posters and help prepare. Farwell, who helped decorate the senior lockers this year, is excited to make the night memorable.
As the team continues playing in league, come support them out on Higgins Field during their home games!
