Fall Athletics Take to the Road for Regional and National Matchups
As playoffs come closer, St. John’s fall sports teams’ annual trips have just wrapped up as swim&dive, field hockey, football, and girls soccer launch into the second half of their competitive WCAC and DCSAA seasons. From Orlando and Miami to Philadelphia, the trips not only cemented team chemistry and bonding, but gave opportunities to compete against nationally ranked teams.
Athletic director Corey Kelly reflected on her eleven years as field hockey head coach, saying the most crucial yet overlooked aspect of out of state travel is maintaining a scheduled routine to resemble as closely as possible to any other conference game. She advises players to set an early alarm to start the day, plan out meals in accordance to game times and have a structured, yet fun, day.
These adventures are often thought of as “business trips” for the football team, who recently beat 18th nationally ranked West Boca in Miami. The memorable win will definitely motivate the team to push themselves and strive for success in the rest of their season. Such competitive games, although intimidating, help teams reflect on themselves and their own style of play. Girls soccer came back with a tie last week from Philadelphia and Coach Allison Diaz commented that unfamiliar teams help focus on who they are as a program. “Sometimes when you play familiar teams, you get caught up on tactics specific to the opponent. In our recent travel trip, we had the opportunity to fine tune some areas of our team play in order to prepare for conference play.”
Not only on the field, but between teammates, facing the unknown requires trust in each other and instills confidence. “Stronger relationships and greater trust carry into the field when facing adversity,” remarks Pat Ward, who spent two decades as head coach of SJC football and has since assumed a role in the athletic department, although still working closely with the football coaching staff. The lack of emotions or pressure of beating rivals helped field hockey have a successful weekend of a win and a tie in Philadelphia. “Athleticism over fun” is a personal motto of Coach Beira Ho who always encourages her players to work harder than anyone else and enjoy the positive outcomes that creates on the field.
