On Friday, Nov. 17, 1917, seniors Riley Donnelly and Mackenzie Boyle were recognized for signing letters of intent to play field hockey at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
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Mackenzie Boyle – Fairfield University (Field Hockey)
Major: Nursing
Final list of colleges: Fairfield, Stonehill, Catholic University
Reasons for choosing Fairfield: “I knew I wanted to (major) in nursing, and (there are) not a lot of places you can play a Division One sport and study nursing. Fairfield really struck me. I love the coach, Jackie Kane – 
I think she’s great. It’s about two, two-and-a-half hours away from my house, so I liked how close it was, and it was a smaller school. I didn’t want to go anywhere super big.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in field hockey at the collegiate level? “Probably after freshman year – making varsity gave me confidence that I could actually do it and then going to tournaments for my club sophomore and junior years.”
Coach Michelle Finegan says: “Mackenzie Boyle is the unsung hero of our team. We had Isbobel Mannino defender and Riley Donnelly offender and Mackenzie Boyle right up the middle of the field, the three senior leader captains. Mackenzie Boyle was one of those players who did everything she needed to do. She marked out players that were tough, she helped whoever needed (help) with defense, she was our set play person as well as a very strong midfielder. She was completely under the (radar), but as far as our team, she was an integral part of everything we accomplished.”
About Mackenzie:
Favorite food: Chicken Cesar Wraps
Favorite movie: Elf
Favorite music: Pop or Alternative
Riley Donnelly – University of Maryland (Field Hockey)
Major: Biomedical or Environmental and Civil Engineering
Final list of colleges: Maryland, Princeton, University of New Hampshire
Reasons for choosing Maryland: “I picked Maryland because of the culture that goes along with not only 
with the school but the team. It’s such a tight-knit family, and I think Maryland pushes me a little bit out of my comfort zone as far as the campus. I imagined myself going to a really small school, but I’m going to a bigger school, and I’m excited to experience new things.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in field hockey at the collegiate level? “Growing up, my three main sports were field hockey, soccer and lacrosse. Honestly, when I had to decide between field hockey and soccer in sixth grade, that was a big decision for me. I don’t think it really became clear to me until I had to pick between those two. Field hockey and soccer were always my biggest sports, and then I had to pick one. I think once I got into middle school I realized field hockey was going to be it.”
Coach Michelle Finegan says: “She's a phenom. She was the leading scorer all four years of her career. She had 100 (career) goals, statistics that don't happen to the general population, and she's just a very talented kid and athlete. She’s a very unselfish player, and during those games when we needed the points, she was the one who just took it on her back and went and scored. She wanted to go to districts, she wanted to go to states. We had a good year, and a lot of it can be attributed to the fact that Riley Donnelly was terrific every game.”
About Riley:
Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan
Favorite TV show: The Good Doctor
Favorite music: Thomas Rhett/Country
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