North Penn Field Hockey Preview

NORTH PENN FIELD HOCKEY PREVIEW

Head Coach: Shannon McCracken (14th year) 

Assistant coaches: Laura Anthony, Becky Poole, Karalyn Schmidt, Pam Sherry 

Last year’s record: 10-8 (Colonial Division 6-4) *Beat West Chester Henderson 5-1 in first round of Districts and lost in second round of Districts to Villa Maria

Notable losses: Laura Albert (Bloomsburg), Ashleigh Barwis, Rhyan Poole (Gwynedd Mercy) 

Key returners: Kylie Barwis (SR, midfield), Kiley Moister (SR, GK), Paige Shearer (SR, forward), Tallie Smink (SR, back), Lily Brown (JR, back/midfield), Devon Crowley (JR, midfield)

Others to watch: Cara Albano (JR, forward), Sophia Arnaiz (JR, back), Brooke Goewey (JR, forward), Hailey Barwis (SO, midfield), Cecilia Lewis (FR, forward/midfield) 

Strengths: Strengths include team chemistry and enthusiasm to play together, willingness to learn the game, speed on the forward line, and fitness levels are high. 

Question Marks: Our division and non-league games are challenging, so it will be important to have a fast start and continue to grow each game. Our defense is inexperienced and our offensive corner unit is new, so it will be important that we work hard in these areas of the game. 

Outlook: “I am very excited about our varsity squad this season as they are focused, hard working, and a group that is excited to step into new roles on the varsity team. We look forward to competing in our challenging division and have our sights on returning to district play.”