Pennsbury High School 2020 Field Hockey Season Preview
(Submitted by Pennsbury field hockey)
The Pennsbury High School field hockey coaching staff is entering into their second year with the program and the roots are beginning to take hold. Head coach Traci Curtis, Assistant Varsity coach Aly Mallon, and JV coach Brittany Sheenan are a trio dedicated to building something special at PHS and continue to work with their players from the inside out.
Last year the Falcons did not have a playoff opportunity, but the progress made from the first game to the last added up to a collective victory for the program as a whole. Losing the senior class is a hit to the 2020 team, in addition to the pandemic keeping some other key players from returning this season. During tryouts week, the coaches put in double time while selecting a roster that will best fill all of those voids at once, while still working to build a program from the ground up. The elimination of the JV and freshman programs this season at Pennsbury have made for a very tricky formula, but the staff is confident that they have the right players in place to get the job done. Pennsbury’s 2020 field hockey season theme is #NOEXCUSES and everyone is taking it seriously.
Returning senior Sophia Hitchingham will be a strong leader on the field as the type of athlete who effortlessly makes everyone else better each day. Kayli Williams returns as a senior bringing her speed and agility to the forward line and at the other end of the field, senior Hannah Aker will come back to the Falcons as a defensive force. Sophomore goalie Jordan Vradenburgh will lead inside the red zone as she steps into the starting position this year. Vradenburgh’s age is deceiving when you watch her in the cage. Her talent mimics that of a seasoned, high-level athlete, and the coaches are so excited to watch her performance this year.
Others to watch include sophomores Jaclyn Gorgo and Molly Murray - strong, smart midfielders who have a year of varsity playing under their belts. Two sophomore dark horses, Megan McClure and Olivia Graebner, round out the squad for Pennsbury.
Curtis and crew will work this season to put together a strong midfield unit while taking great care in creating an offense that is quick, smart, and able to finish. Field hockey IQ and read & react playing will be the focus as this single team finds a way to make a mark in eight games, during these unprecedented times.
Players and coaches will strive to work toward betterment of their whole selves and finish the season an improved version of who they are in as many facets of their lives as possible.
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