Caroline Blum
Sport Reporter
The Newton South Varsity field hockey team had a fantastic 2020 season this year. Although the scores didn’t reflect how hard they worked, the team was positive, passionate about field hockey, and overall a great community. The team was an escape from the harsh realities of Covid-19 for so many players on the team. They got to enjoy fun practices with their friends, spirit days, and games. The players put in hours of work during practice every week and toughed it out whether it was cold, sunny, or rainy.
As a result of Covid-19, there were a lot of changes from past seasons. The players had to adjust from 11 players on the field to only 7. Senior Captain, Bella Greenbaum, told us that “the adjustment was hard at first, but it soon became automatic.” Greenbaum thought the bigger changes were the ones off the field. She said that “Field hockey is a very team-oriented sport, and we have always been huge on community building.” In past years, “we would have had several team bonding events throughout the season.” She says she is grateful to spend one last season with her “second family.”
Many great moments took place during the season, but one of the most notable moments was when they took the win against Westford, 2-0. Greenbaum said that “the energy during and after the game was amazing, and seeing everyone’s faces light up was one of the best moments not only of the season but of my four years on the team.” The team was rewarded for all of their hard work.
Now that many of the beloved seniors are leaving, there is a lot of pressure on the underclassman to step up as leaders and players on the team. Next year’s senior captains, who were announced at the end of the season, include Brooke Leiber, Celia Remis, and Liv Giglio Dirga. Greenbaum told us the “the team is in great hands.” Greenbaum hopes that the underclassmen “continue to show amazing sportsmanship and continue to bring 110 percent effort to every practice and game.”
