Despite the loss of six players from the class of 2015, this year’s field hockey team is determined to maintain the same level of competitiveness and precede full force into this season’s Patriot League. The players will be looking to captains and sole seniors Jessica Gardiner and Lindsay McCulloch to lead them through pre-season and into a successful year. 

Head Coach Cathy Foto is confident that the team will continue to demonstrate its capabilities and hard work. Coach Foto believes that the key to a competitive season is cohesion and improved communication.

“We have asked each member of the team to be committed and compelled to the process of defining what Colgate field hockey is all about. We want to be more dedicated to the process of building a team,” Foto said.

The incoming first-year players are Nicole Bodo, Stina Ladd, Jacqueline Li, Rachel Hegarty, Lauren Miano and Susan Morefield. Coach Foto feels that the incoming class will add depth to the team.

“The freshmen have been a really great addition to our team,” McCulloch said.  “They’ve worked really hard this preseason and have gotten right into the swing of things. They’re a lot of fun and feed well into our team chemistry.”

With the title of captainship comes responsibility. McCulloch acknowledges how she and Gardiner need to act as middlemen between the coaches and the rest of the team so that communication flows easily. 

“We work a lot together to make sure the team is organized and ready for every practice and our upcoming games,” McCulloch said. 

From the practices and scrimmages during pre-season, Coach Foto has recognized the team’s strength in passing and positioning. As players continue to work hard individually, the team’s overall game is improving.

“Our focus in practice so far in preseason has also been tremendous and that is something that we can continue to build on,” Coach Foto said on her first impressions of the team so far this season. 

McCulloch expressed her excitement for the season to get underway. 

“As Jess and I [enter our] last season we look forward to having a lot of fun with our teammates and making this fall season a fun and enjoyable one for everyone on our team,” McCulloch said. 

Contact Emily Brand at [email protected].