Susquehannock field hockey wins YAIAA Division II and county championships
GLEN ROCK, Pa. — The 2022-2023 Susquehannock Warriors’ field hockey team finished their stellar season as both the YAIAA Division II and YAIAA county champions. Undefeated at 16-0 during their regular season and allowing only 15 goals while scoring a whopping 106, pushed the team to the top of their league.
After making it to the state finals last year for the first time in Susquehannock’s history, the field hockey team was knocked out in the first round. The Warriors’ six seniors, goalie KC O’Neill, defenders Dylan Elliott and Natalie Badour and forwards Elena Pasko, Lola Sroka, and Maggie Grim, who were all chosen for the division senior all-star game, started this season with some very specific goals. Redemption from last year’s state loss drove the team to end their season with the 2 championships and an amazing final record of 19-0.
After a hiatus from coaching the Warriors, the seniors lured their previous coach, Sharon McLaughlin, along with husband, Bill, back to coach them their final high school season. The six lady Warriors all played together on the “polestar” club team, coached by the McLaughlins, since middle school. Being coached by Sharon, a former U.S. field hockey player herself, allowed the squad to not only meet but to exceed their pre-season goals.
This year’s team co-captain, Maggie Grim and Natalie Badour, always helped make practices fun by making people laugh and were welcoming to incoming underclassmen. On the field, the focus was teamwork, showcasing the skills of their years of experience playing together and superb coaching. Each player knew it took all 11 players to win, one player cannot do it alone. The cohesive team is proud to not only hold several Susquehannock school records but also of the teamwork it took from the entire squad to accomplish their superior season.
Along with the JV coach, Ellie Lindauer, the squad welcomes new players by including them in the trail runs and other team bonding events including team breakfasts and bonfires. Pre-season, team building includes spirit days. Chosen by the seniors, the team would have fun with Pink Wednesdays, USA day or funny t-shirt day. Before upcoming away games, the bus ride included singing along to the music and having fun.
Heading off to college, some of the Lady Warriors have already committed to continuing playing field hockey at the collegiate level. Elena is headed to St. Mary’s College of Maryland to join the Seahawk’s squad. Natalie will be going to Frederick, Maryland to play for the Hood College Blazers. Division II Player of the Year, Junior forward Lilly Wojcik, has committed to Princeton.
After an away win, the Susquehannock Warriors field hockey team celebrates by singing the school’s alma mater song, “Sons and daughters true and loyal, Join our song of cheer, For our dear old high school royal, As we gather here. We are filled with praises endless, And remembrance clear, E’er our voices will defend her, Red and white so dear.”
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