Swampscott HS field hockey looking to build off last season’s success
SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. — Swampscott Field Hockey may be from a smaller town than the competition – but last year’s season proved they can do big things. Varsity Head Coach Courtney Russo and Assistant Varsity coach Melissa Baran challenged the squad to achieve a title. The team improved throughout the season, securing a Final Four spot for Division 3. The season ended in a strenuous game in Norwell on a cold night as Sandwich defeated Swampscott in a 0-2 game. A year later, Swampscott Field Hockey is ranked number 20 in Massachusetts and is ready for action.
The 2022 season includes Associate Head Coach/JV Head Coach, Hadley Woodfin. Hadley hails from Marblehead and played on the Marblehead High School team before boing on to play for Colby-Sawyer. She also serves as Health and Wellness teacher at Swampscott High School. Senior Captains Brooke Waters and Olivia Baran lead the team this year, after playing the sport since the sixth grade.
Brooke Waters:
“I have been on the Varsity team since my freshman year, playing Forward. I battled a knee injury Sophomore year and returned to the field my Junior eld her Junior year she switched back to center back while still playing offensive, and on both offensive and defensive corner units. This position was a great fit for me as I liked to see the field as a whole from the back field. As a junior, I was recognized by the Boston Globe and received the Boston Globe All- Scholastic award. As well as an NEC All Star and MVP of the team last year. I ended off the season as number three in the Northeastern Conference in points with 15 goals and 9 assists. Prior to this season, I was listed on Boston Globes Eastern Massachusetts ‘watch list’, along with some of the best players in the East. As I head into this season, I reminisce on our team’s success last year, motivating me as a captain to lead the team with Olivia just as far (if not farther) this year! I am so proud of our team as a whole throughout the pre-season and staying motivated and determined at practice everyday.”
Olivia Baran:
“Ever since starting the sport in the sixth grade, I have been playing in tournaments, playing for different club teams, and practicing whenever I can. My Sophomore year I was in the top 20 for leading point scorers and my Junior year I was in the top 10 for leading point scorers. I had always dreamed of playing in college since the beginning. Now I was finally able to make that dream come true and be able to play at the next level. Next year I will be playing Division 2 Field Hockey at Saint Anselm College. I couldn’t be more excited to be able to continue playing and doing what I love, and I can’t wait to see what the season has in store for my last year of high school field hockey. Go Big Blue!!!“
The Captains, the only two Seniors on the team, report that the Juniors are a vital part of the team, as they helped secure the Final Four last year on the offensive end of the field. Lucy Brown, Sawyer Groothius, Sophia Ciciotti, Coco Clopton were key from start to end of our playoff campaign. This year, the team welcomes back Ella Karlin, Gracie Silverman, Daniella Bliss, and Maxine Wald, as they have been solid on the defensive end and showing great versatility for the offense. Sophomores include Emma Reen, Maisie Russo, Ella Schena, Mia Leone, Cece O’connor, as well as three new transfer students, Avery Laundry, Samantha Demady and Chloe Puzzo. Megan Baran is the lone freshman and has a ton of potential on the field as Senior-sister Olivia Baran has shown her the ropes. We salute you, Big Blue Field Hockey!
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