The KO girls field hockey team, led by Head Coach Chapin Yates, has had a strong start to their season with a record of 6-3-1. The team has a good chance of making a playoff appearance, so each game, our Wyverns go in ready to work.
This team puts a great emphasis on valuing teamwork, with a focus on bringing a strong work ethic to practice and games. The girls aim to have a positive attitude and carry themselves with grace both on and off the field. Coach Yates explained her hopes for the season: posting a winning record and beating strong opponents such as Westminster, Green Farms, and Suffield Academy.
The team has faced the challenge of having slow starts to their games and having to come from behind. Coach Yates explained that they have overcome this by focusing on resetting the mindset of the team and by increasing communication and intensity. “We want to be able to emphasize simple, clean plays to build momentum and regain confidence while encouraging players to stay composed and trust their teammates,” she said.
The team has fostered teamwork and camaraderie through being encouraging of teammates and supporting open communication. They have also done team-building activities as well as team meals that have helped build strong bonds among the girls. Senior forward Cami Weinstein talked about where the group has succeeded most in terms of team culture. “Our team’s great strength is communication and working together,” she said. “The past few games, we have been playing as a unit, which has tremendously improved our playing, and has allowed us to have a winning record.”
Senior defender Co-captain Meredith Decker emphasizes the environment the team is a part of. “It’s not about the mistake, but about the recovery,” she said, explaining the forgiving, positive space in which the team thrives. Senior Co-captain forward Ella Wilson added that the team has meshed well this year because of that. “We’ve been working together much better this season and because of the more advanced skill levels on the team this year,” Wilson noted. This is reflected in their winning record and four shutouts thanks to senior goalie Co-captain Stella Zimmer.
The Wyverns faced off against Kent School on Wednesday, Oct. 9, a game that the girls knew would be challenging. Senior forward Lily Temkin explained the team’s mindset heading onto the field. “We went into the game thinking that we would lose,” she said. However, the team came out victorious with a 4-1 win. Coach Yates explained that this was the first time the Wyverns had ever beaten Kent. “I am so proud that the team came together to support one another and controlled the tempo of the entire game,” Yates said.
Coach Yates mentioned a few key players on the field, with junior midfielder Kate Demspey-Weiner being a crucial player in the team’s success. Her stats include 13 goals and six assists. Coach Yates mentioned Dempsey-Weiner’s incredible stick skills; she carries the ball end-to-end on the field and easily weaves in and out of defenders. “She is critical in every aspect of the game,” Coach Yates said. “Her intensity, support, leadership, and communication on and off the field are invaluable to the team.” She continued to say that Demspey-Weiner always gives her 100% and constantly pushes her teammates to be better.
The Wyverns face off against Marianapolis Preparatory School on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Then on Saturday, Nov. 2, the team plays Greens Farms Academy. This will be a challenging game as Green Farms is a solid, competitive team. If the Wyverns work together and communicate well, a win is definitely a possibility. We are all rooting for the girls in their upcoming games, many of which will determine if they make the playoffs!
