Girls’ varsity field hockey is a team with resilience. Exemplified through their record, no matter what is thrown their way, they can overcome the obstacle. There are three classes in the NEPSAC league: classes A, B, and C, and girls’ varsity field hockey is in the class B division. The classes are dependent on many different factors, but the two most significant are the size of the school and the team’s track record. In order to be eligible for the playoffs, the team must have a winning percentage of over 50%. Looking back at past New England championships, Berkshire has won a place in the quarterfinals over multiple years and even advanced to the semifinals in 2014 and 2019. The team’s history of qualifying for the New England championship is what drives their aspirations this season to make it into the playoffs again.
Varsity field hockey, this year, is different, according to returning player Makenna Komanecky, “I have seen a shift in the team culture mainly because I was new last year, but also because this year is big for us, and my coaches and teammates have a lot of confidence to tackle any obstacles thrown our way.” The buzz of the team can be felt through the mountains of Berkshire, and its positive atmosphere permeates through the school. This past year, the team lost six seniors and added seven new players, who are adding to the team’s strength and focus, but it is the culture on and off the field that underlies so much of this season’s success.
After all, what makes up a team is not just the desire to win but the ability to step outside of oneself and work in sync with one’s teammates. According to new player, Rosa Digiulian, “Coming onto the team, I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know many people, but I think everyone was super welcoming from day one, and the energy was really high for the season.” Rosa went on to say that she “really loves the team. The play is really intense, and everyone seems to care and care for each other, and it feels so great to be a part of that.”
The strong and positive team environment, which helps to drive the success of the team, also comes from the coaches. As Makenna Komanecky says, she loves the fact that “the team is being pushed hard during practice, but we are also having fun.” Makenna’s enthusiasm for the team environment is agreed upon by her teammates, as everyone finds comfort in the belief that work and play should coexist.
Girls’ varsity field hockey has faced adversity in the season with the 1-3 loss against Williston, but the team turned it around and had two electrifying wins, an overtime win against Taft, a strong Class A team, and a 2-1 win against Loomis (also Class A). Even in the team’s losses, they never give up. The recent loss to Green Farms Academy was upsetting, but the team showed grit throughout the game. In Class B, Berkshire is doing well among the competition, beating Greenwich Country Day School 5-0 and tying Suffield. If the team continues to play with resilience, they have a strong chance at winning the New England Class B Championship.
