Urbana High School’s Field Hockey team began in 1995 and has been going strong since. Head Coach Andrea Stuart, who has dedicated 30 years to the program, has consistently demonstrated resilience, inclusivity, and a passion for the game.
The Urbana field hockey program has always been strong and prided itself on being welcoming and supportive.
This team gets along really well. “I like the inclusivity and positive energy that the team and coaches bring. It makes playing a sport so enjoyable and comforting,¨ senior Hannah Milor explained.
The heart of Urbana’s success lies in it’s team dynamics. The players have an amazing bond that extends beyond practices and games.
“I think the team gets along so well because we all have the same sense of humor so we make things fun.” Milor said.
The road to success with the team this year has not been without its hurdles. Every team has victories and losses. Urbana Field Hockey doesn’t let anything stop them and they always keep their heads high.
From their 5 a.m. Friday morning practices to the moment they step on the field to play in the game they love, their determination never dies.
“This team really works well together. They’re all really good teammates,¨ Stuart explained. She is really proud of her team this year.
¨I think field hockey is an interesting sport and I always think of it as a mixture of lacrosse and soccer. I think it’s a really cool sport that I would love to try if I could,¨ David Sossou said.
This season has had some memorable moments. Urbana opened with a thrilling 1-0 victory against Bethesda-Chevy Chase (BCC), a great achievement that set a positive tone for the season. The team continued to build momentum afterwards.
They recently had their Senior Night game against Tuscarora High School. The final score was 5-0 Urbana! They also recently had their Sally and Ella Strong game against Liberty High School. Along with their Milor Mentality game against Brunswick High School.
Milor recalled one of her favorit moments as, “beating BCC for the first time ever last year and getting off practice the next day!”. This highlights the joy and significance of that victory.
A special shout out is deserved for the goalies this season. Coach Stuart emphasized their amazing contributions, stating, “Our goalies have really stepped up this year. They’ve had more saves than any goalie has had in close to 25 years.” Their performance has been crucial in allowing Urbana to secure victories throughout the season.
With playoffs on the cusp, the Urbana High School Field Hockey team remains focused on their goals. Each practice is filled with energy and determination, as players continue to hone their skills and strategies.
The Urbana Field Hockey team stands ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, with the use of teamwork and perseverance that has defined their program for nearly three decades.
