PENNSBURY FIELD HOCKEY PREVIEW
This season Pennsbury Field Hockey head coach, Traci Curtis, enters her fifth year since taking over the program back in 2019. Curtis and Company have been building and growing from the inside out, founded on a philosophy of encouraging female athletes to come out on the other side the best version of themselves on and off the field, while simultaneously growing in the sport. They have yet to make it into the playoffs, but consider the progress made as people and players over five years to be a huge victory. The purposeful work on culture is what is going to make the difference in the long run and have a lasting impact.
The Falcons 2023 theme is RAISE THE BAR, chosen carefully as they look to take their game to the next level with returning, experienced players, a large group of extremely talented freshmen who will challenge their teammates, and some new staff. Curtis has welcomed a few new coaches to the family and is confident that their unit will help bring out the best in everyone. Lori Riley will take over as assistant varsity coach, while Lauren Gerth steps into the head JV position. Michelle Siegle will use her talents to focus on guiding and coaching the goalies this season.
Top players to watch in 2023 include three senior defenders: Gabby Darling, Riley Henderson, and Kaylin Flannery. They will work to protect their fellow senior goalie, Kayla Shaffer, who will make her varsity debut this season. Senior Mia Popovich returns as a strong force on attack, bringing speed and smarts to the offense. Popovich will have help in the speed category with juniors Olivia Coen and Sam Nesteruk, and freshmen Ryan Burdette and Abby Iacona. The young talent is exciting as the Falcon Field Hockey family looks to prove that age doesn’t matter, and work ethic and mindset serve as catalysts for success for all.
Honestly, every player is a player to watch. They all have something to add and have been working very hard this summer to improve. Everyone’s role is important - the unit working together is stronger than any individual.
It is always difficult to make predictions about the season and schedule with the constant ebb and flow of programs in the SOL. The goal we have as a program is to stay true to who we are and remember our purpose and vision. We look to compete and gain respect and prove to ourselves that we are worthy of winning against anyone. With the addition of our new coaches, our staff is committed to pulling everything we can from every player across the board. Every season is new and a chance to once again create something awesome together.
We look forward to what lies ahead and wish all teams the best as we move into the 2023 field hockey season.
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