This has been quite the year for the Atoms varsity field hockey team. Not only did they win the National District Championships, but this season the team went 11-4, showing great progress. The players showed so much teamwork and commitment to their team throughout the season. With all the wins they have had during the past few months, it has been a very memorable season for the players, coaches and fans.
Over the course of a few weeks the Atoms went from a bye game to making the regional playoffs and then even made it on to the state quarterfinals, showing a true commitment from players, the Atoms were truly represented well by this team this season.
At the regional playoffs, the team had a great run, beating teams like Meridian High School, Woodbridge High School, Lake Braddock Secondary School, and West Potomac High School. In their final game against the Fairfax HS Lions the team lost 2-1 however they were able to keep themselves prepared for the State Quarterfinals match which was coming up fast.
On Nov. 5, the varsity field hockey team unfortunately ended up losing to Independence High School with a score of 0-3 in the class six state quarterfinal.
However the players and coaches alike did extremely well during this season; the effort both on and off the field was great.
“Our team had such a strong bond, and that really showed on the field. We trusted each other and played as one unit instead of just a bunch of individuals,” senior Louise Fitzgerald said. “Everyone gave their best effort and pushed each other to keep going which made the win at districts even more special,” she added.
Besides their in-game ability, this season brought out the true resiliency of the team with them being able to recover after every loss they took, though the team only had a few losses, however the team won all of our regular season games and they were able to turn any bad game around and make it a great game.
Even in tough games this season, the Atoms refused to lose. They played well through to the final whistle of each game, whether they were leading comfortably or behind the other team, their ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep improving was amazing to students watching their games.
The Atoms showed a true commitment to encouraging each other to do better. All teammates were able to show this by making sure they were working hard in school while ensuring that they maintained a good GPA throughout the season. Showing hard work off and on the field.
“I make sure to use my time wisely and keep an agenda to stay on top of all my tasks. Between practices and schoolwork, it got busy but staying organized helped a lot,” Fitzgerald said.
This season the team was highly motivated, the team’s leadership showed remarkable examples to future players and current players alike with the constant wins and the views at a future state championship that are now in sight.
“I definitely do, [see Annandale winning states] our hard work at practice everyday as well as our willingness to learn will get us farther in the state tournament each year. Especially with our coaching staff who go above and beyond ensuring our team has everything necessary to be successful,” senior Callia Uviedo said.
“I had such a great experience with an amazing team and coaching staff. We did go undefeated and reached our goal of getting to states, but we didn’t get the results we got. But I think we had a good season,” senior Lilly Flores said.
Even though for seniors this is their last season, they have set up a future of good seasons to come, as many who played under the current seniors this year will want the team to get better and better over time, and to improve upon the advancements created by the team this year.
The players this season have also been excellent. Uviedo has committed to The College of William & Mary’s D1 Field Hockey team.
“I’m very excited to expand my knowledge on field hockey, to play at a higher level, and to play against and meet people with the same drive as me,” Uviedo said.
You can support the Annandale Field Hockey team by following them on Instagram @atomsfieldhockey or by following the Atoms Athletics instagram. @Atomsathletics which will update you on all sports also see the Annandale sports website www.annandaleatoms.net.