Varsity Field Hockey: Season Outlook

The St. Luke’s Field Hockey team has a wealth of experience on its roster this year, with nine seniors, as well as a number of other returning players.

 

The Storm hopes to utilize that expertise to have a fun and productive fall season.

 

Head Coach Emily Allen returns, as well as assistant coach Sally Rose Zuckart ’15. 

 

Zuckart has been thrilled with her senior group. “All our seniors have done a great job so far! I am excited to see their hard work pay off,” she said. “Many of them have been waiting for their opportunity to be difference-makers at the varsity level, and for a lot of them, this year will be their chance, so I am excited to see them take advantage of it!”

 

Allen has also been impressed with some new players who she believes will impact the team in a positive way. “Lucie Geist ’25 is a new addition to the varsity roster and we are excited about her speed and endurance,” she said. “She has already proven herself as a strong midfielder and we are thrilled about her potential to contribute at the varsity level.”

 

Allen is happy with how the team’s preparations went throughout preseason, but knows the Storm has a challenging schedule ahead of them. “We got off to a great start with preseason this year,” she said. “We tried to focus a lot on speed work, agility, and skill development. In just two weeks, I have already seen a ton of improvement from all of the players and I am excited about seeing everyone continue to grow throughout the season. I expect the competition will be tough, but I am excited to see us compete at a high level.”

 

Lily Carre '24 and MJ Owens '24 serve as captains of The Storm. Allen is excited to see their leadership skills have a strong influence on the rest of the team. “They are both returning for the fourth season on the team, and I expect them to set a positive example for their teammates and develop positive relationships with each member of the team,” she said. “I am hoping for them to lead with words and actions and to help our team reach its potential.”

 

Allen expects her team to play fast and smart, but also wants everyone to have fun throughout the fall. “I want our players to be relentless on 50/50 balls, to work together as a unit, and to be fearless on the field,” she said. “As a coach, my goal for each season is for it to be so much fun that we don't want the season to end. That means that we spend our days working hard, laughing, and getting better. If we do all of these things, hopefully, it will lead to winning some games and enjoying our time together as much as possible.”

 

The Storm opened up with a road trip to Hopkins School on Wednesday, Sept. 13 but unfortunately lost a thrilling encounter 2-3 against the Hilltoppers. St. Luke’s had its home opener on Wednesday, Sept. 20 vs. The Hackley School. The Storm lost a hard-fought contest 2-3.