Sophomore defender Keegan McMahon is a force to be reckoned with on the field hockey turf. While she is a young player, her skill should not be underestimated. McMahon is crucial part of the field hockey team’s success this season. McMahon is in charge of the defensive line and plays on offensive and defensive corners. “She is playing a critical role in our successes this season on defense,” senior Captain Mia Seymour agreed.
This year McMahon has taken on a bigger role on the team. “She is our center back and can clear free hits to get us up the field to where we need to be,” Head Coach Nicole Blake said. McMahon leads the defense. “She takes control of the defense, communicates, and not many players can even get by her,” Coach Blake said. “Keegan brings us a lot of skill on the field and leadership abilities and this is only her second year on the team.” McMahon’s goal for this season is to play well, win games, and make the playoffs. “I am hoping we win enough games to make the playoffs because I know it’s been a long time since we have,” McMahon said. “ I am really looking forward to my next two years on the team because I think we are going to have a really strong group that can accomplish many things.”
McMahon is also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee on campus and is trying to bring some of the skills she learned there to the field. “I try to be encouraging to all my teammates and I also try to lead by example by giving 110%,” McMahon said. Throughout the season McMahon has worked to stay open minded and have a positive attitude. “I always try to keep everyone focused so that we can accomplish what we need to at practice and in the games,” McMahon said.
The Girls varsity field hockey team hopes to have a strong end of their season after a couple of convincing 3-0 wins against the Hopkins School during Hewett Day on Saturday, Oct. 13 and against The Wilbraham & Monson Academy on Monday, Oct. 15. After the wins, the team suffered a tough 7-2 loss against Choate Rosemary Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 17, the Wyverns were still ready to compete. “The season has been going great so far!” said senior Captain midfielder Mia Seymour. “We have improved so much and with each game, win or loss, we make better passes, shots, and dodges.” Although the team is very young this year it doesn’t take away from the atmosphere. “This team is the most family oriented and they all have come together as a group as the season has gone on,” Head Coach Nicole Blake said.
Seymour is the only senior on the team this year. “She is an asset to this program not only because of her stick skills, but because of her leadership and great personality,” Coach Blake said. “Mia will be missed in so many ways on and off the field next year.” The team had an excellent showing this year on Hewett day. “The game was really exciting!” Seymour said. “We had a great 3-0 win against Hopkins and the huge support from the entire KO community at the end which made it even more fun to play.” During the game junior midfielder Alex D’Addabbo scored two goals and sophomore right-inner Cici Chagnon added a third. Seymour has been very pleased with the younger players on the team. “Coach Blake and I have been so impressed with the skill level and development of all our new players!” Seymour said. “I am particularly pleased with two Freshmen Arie Lang and Alyssa Pavano who make beautiful passes up the left sideline.
Sophomore defender Keegan McMahon has been impressed that the young KO team is able to keep up with more experienced teams. “We have a young team and we seem to be playing teams that are older and more physically mature but we are able to rise up to the challenge and be competitive,” McMahon said. “I think we have great team chemistry and it is my hope that we finish the year strong and end up a few games over .500 and are able to make the playoffs.” The chemistry on the team has also improved as the season has gone on. “We’ve definitely come together, both on and off the field, as the season has progressed,” Seymour said. “Our first couple of games got us comfortable playing with each other and team dinners/psych boxes have helped to bring us closer as friends.” As the Wyverns get ready for the last stretch of their season, they look forward to Senior Day. “I believe our game against Suffield-Academy will be a big game because it is Senior Day and our last home game of the year,” McMahon said. “The Suffield game is always super competitive and it is a close game every year.”
