With the 2025 fall season underway, the OHS field hockey team is steadily starting to improve its skills on the field. This year’s roster is filled with many new players who are eager to challenge themselves and grow throughout the season.

The Eagles opened their season on August 19th against C.D. Hylton High School, and since then, they’ve been improving with every practice and every game.

Every player has their own reason for joining the team. Estella Sisk, a freshman, said, “This is my first year. It seemed like a fun sport.” Senior Alice Hertz was inspired to join back in her freshman year. “I had a bunch of friends on the team. It was something I had never heard of before.” Freshman Maliyah Stewart added that her mom nudged her into the sport. “I’ve been playing field hockey since late July. I was going to try out for volleyball, and my mom said if I didn’t play volleyball, I’d have to play field hockey.”

The team is guided by Coaches Dawson, Torres, and Clark, who work to get the girls the best that they can be. When asked about practices, the girls all agreed that they strike a balance between difficult and playful. “Practices are fun and enjoyable, but also challenging,” said Sisk. Hertz replied, “Our coaches are very focused on conditioning and making sure we are in our physical prime.” While Stewart declared, “They made us run for three minutes!” Despite the hard practices and long runs, the girls only praised the coaches. Lily Roth, a junior, said, “They’re so fun!” while freshman Nisha Jean Clifford appreciated that “the coaches are flexible with scheduling.”

This field hockey season is on a path to success, but every player has their own goals they want to accomplish by the end of this season. Sisk said, “I really want to get better at field hockey for next season.” Hertz hopes the team develops stronger teamwork, sharing, “I hope our team learns to communicate better.” Roth, on the other hand, just wants to score a goal.

Between practices every day and almost 2 games a week, there isn’t really much time left in the day to do schoolwork, and Clifford remarks frankly, “It’s difficult, but I use the bus rides as an opportunity.” Hertz, who is juggling a lot this year, said, “I’m in 5 AP classes, so balancing school, class, and a job [is difficult].” Roth and Sisk don’t share the same struggles. They both have been able to balance athletics and homework.

There are many first-year players on the team, and a highlight for them is the team spirit. Clifford reflected, “My favorite part is being able to be on a team. We’re just one big group.” Sisk agreed, saying, “I enjoy playing field hockey with my friends and it keeps me active.” Hertz added, “I think I’ve met a lot of new, interesting people.”

As the OHS field hockey team members steadily improve their skills, they continue on their path to success.

Be sure to attend the upcoming home games. Including:

Sep 25, 2025 vs Gainesville

Oct 9, 2025 vs Independence