By Sara Zakaria and Angelina Prum
Malden High School’s Field Hockey season is coming to a close, and they are determined to maintain a positive outlook for the season. Unfortunately, the Varsity team did not pull in a victory this year. However, the scores were extremely close, which is a significant improvement from last year.
One of this year’s captains, Junior Queenie Dang states that “even though the varsity team did not win any games this season, I’m still really proud of how hard this teamed worked every practice and game”.
This season, Senior and captain Jenny Huynh says that the team improved immensely on their communication skills, and developing a connection on and off the field, saying that “as a team, [they] are so close and they are [her] second family”. Dang agrees, adding that the team “really have learned to talked to one another on and off the field”, and that the best moments for the team is when “we just get to hang out with each other and bond; like when we have our pasta parties”. Other great moments during the season, according to Huynh, was “ when JV had a wonderful game against Peabody on [her] birthday and won that game.”
The team feels like they have a lot to work on though. “I think I need to work on challenging myself on the field and making sure I can pass with more accuracy”, Huynh says. The team also wants to focus on developing field hockey skills in middle schoolers, so when they arrive to Malden High, they already have the basics learned. Other than coaching the team, coach Kimberly Barber works on field hockey programs in Malden’s middle schools to “increase our talent in the high school.” Barber adds that “it’s hard for the freshman to come in and pick up the stick for the first time and play these tough teams. They really worked hard this year and had a good season working together and had a win or two. We have had the middle school program going and it shows through the JV team this year; with the wins.”
The captains of the Malden Field Hockey team have accomplished many goals this year. Coach Kimberly Barber states the captains did a great job this year. Captain Jenny Huynh’s strength this year was her ability to encourage her team and be a leader. She also believes that her stick skills have greatly improved this season. Huynh believes that the greatest strength of the team this season was their communication. Captain Queenie Dang is very proud of the close bond the team had this season. Dang believes that the team has “become almost like family to one another”.
The overall season has been a blast for all teammates. They all enjoyed it with the pasta parties the captains hosted and their bonding activities. They grew and improved in the sport but also as a family. The team strives to communicate better, and they hope to help train younger players so they can play against tougher teams.
