The Oakdale varsity field hockey team or “VOLB” as they call themselves (Varsity Oakdale Lady Bears) have demonstrated passion and hard work in their playing this season and are optimistic about what’s to come.

The 14 seniors on the team bring a level of experience and leadership that is crucial to the team’s success, particularly the team captains: Josie Boonshaft, Lillie Kodrin, and Lauren Staiger, who head coach Sherry Morres says are helpful, passionate, and good communicators.

Morres also emphasizes that everyone has the capacity to be a good leader: “I think we have a strong group of student athletes on this team and see some great potential for some to step up.”

It was agreed upon that Oakdale has very skilled players that are passionate about the sport of field hockey. “Everybody shows up looking to give it everything each game and practice,” remarks Staiger.

The team is also good at running and good at defense due to vigorous conditioning and stamina training, as well as various drills done at their practices.

A change to the team this year is their head coach, who was the JV coach at Oakdale last year. Morres is enjoying this change. “On varsity you really get to work on some strategy with the team and take it to the next level,” Morres mentioned.

A big theme for this season that Morres is emphasizing is team building. She believes it is important that everyone works hard and together to use their different strengths, and that everyone should play hard for the team in order for them to succeed.

The players praise Morres saying her knowledge and coaching ability have impacted the team for the better. Staiger expresses, “Coach Morres has been an amazing mentor and role model and has definitely brought us together and taught us so much already.”

“We have better strategies in games and we are much more conditioned and do a variety of drills during practices,” reveals Junior Grayson Raiford, who has been on varsity since freshman year.

There is a feeling of excitement and optimism surrounding this season. Everyone is excited to work together and watch each other improve throughout the season, both individually and as a team. “I believe we can do great things this year,” exclaims Morres.

The field hockey team’s next home game is their Senior Night on Monday, October 10th, 2022, at 7:30 pm, where they will play Frederick High School. It should be a good game, so make sure to come out and support the team!