Hackley Varsity Field Hockey is facing a difficult 2015 season, but they are well prepared for the challenge, with a strong team of 14 returning varsity players and nine seniors, led by senior captains Katie Bogart, Anna Meyers, and Ally Petitti.

Combining their strength in numbers with two weeks of intensive training and conditioning during pre-season, HVFH is a force to be reckoned with. In a meeting with the team, varsity head coach Jennifer Leffler told her team to “respect all but fear none” and to push themselves throughout the upcoming season

The 2015 season will be particularly difficult due to the addition of three new teams to HVFH’s schedule- Byram Hills High School, Rye High School, and Greenwich Academy. These new schools are traditionally very good, but Coach Leffler emphasized to her players that they should take each game as they come and not be intimidated by the reputations of their opponents. “If we really push ourselves, I think we can go all the way. We have a very strong team and I think we can do it, ” said sophomore Nicole Heyward, who was on the team last year.

Although field hockey’s pre-season was full of timed miles, six pack runs, and visits from strength and conditioning trainer Samuel Paterno the players still had fun during the two weeks, and came out of them stronger athletes and closer to their teammates. “Pre-season is really exhausting, but it’s a really great way to get in shape and you get to meet everyone on the teams,” said sophomore Sarah Gooley.

The tight knit aspect of the team is aided by the seniors who put a lot of effort into making younger players feel welcome and included, and by team bonding activities like the Color War Jubilee. At the annual jubilee, all members of the Varsity and JV teams split into separate color groups. They all compete in challenges like longest drive and air dribbling, a fun way to practice vital skills as well as getting to know all of the different members of the teams.