WESTON, Mass. — Emma Darling, Cortney Leung, and Fielding Mayhugh have made significant contributions to their sport – Emma in soccer, Cortney in field hockey, and Fielding in volleyball. Following an outstanding fall season, each of these exceptional athletes earned the prestigious title of DCL Player of the Year (POY) in their respective sport.

Emma has played soccer for the past 12 years, including playing with her twin sister Alex for their club team, New England Surf, since 8th grade. As a striker, Emma’s incredible speed and athleticism have allowed her to evade the opposing teams’ defenders to put the ball in the back of many nets. Her ability to outrun opponents and finish her shots make her unstoppable. In addition to POY, Emma was named to the All-League and All-State, EMass First Teams.

“Emma was a constant threat to every defense in the league, such that other teams assigned defenders to follow her and sometimes double-team her. She was feared for her goalscoring (she was 2nd in the combined DCL with 15 goals), but was also so unselfish that she actually led the combined DCL in assists with 10,” states Coach John Power. “As her statistics show, Emma is a complete player, able to both score goals and create them for others. She’s also a marvelous teammate, humble, and hardworking, and she thoroughly deserves the recognition!”

Cortney has been playing field hockey since 7th grade. Known for her footwork, speed and communication with her teammates, Cortney is a ferocious defender – a defensive wall. Her consistency and reliability are a big reason for the team’s success, including finishing the season undefeated in the DCL Foley (Small) Division with an overall DCL (Small and Large) record of 6-1-1, and making it to the playoffs as the 13th seed.

“Cortney was our ‘linchpin’ this 2023 season. As our center back, she was our main distributor over the ball, had to make quick decisions, and had to pass precisely in order to set her teammates up for high scoring opportunities,” states Coach Gianna Kaski. “She played a critical role in keeping our team play unified. She was a huge reason for our success in the DCL this season.”

Fielding has played volleyball since middle school, loving it so much that she joined club volleyball in 8th grade. She currently plays for one of the top New England Volleyball clubs, Smash. Fielding is integral to both her high school and club teams’ successes with her massive hitting, amazing agility to dig others’ hits, and leadership both on and off the court. This year, Fielding was a huge reason why the Girls Varsity Volleyball team won the DCL Foley title as well as the State Championship (the first for Weston as well as any school in the DCL). In addition to POY, Fielding was named to the Boston Herald All-Scholastic Team and as MVP for the D3 All-Tournament Team. For the third year in a row, she was named as a DCL All-Star; and, for the second year in a row, she was named to the MAVCA All-State Team and as the MVP for her varsity team.

“Fielding was chosen for POY because of her dominance on the court. She is a threat both offensively and defensively,” states Coach Eileen Leblanc. “Fielding is a complete, all-around player that other teams need to try to build their strategy around. She is a very knowledgeable player and uses that in her playing. Plus, she is a great team captain, exemplifying both her hard work and kindness to other team members.”

Congrats Emma, Cortney and Fielding on this remarkable accomplishment!

Interview with Emma, Cortney and Fielding:

What does this mean to you to be named DCL Player of the Year?

Emma Darling: We had the best season so far in my three years of playing at WHS, including placing 11th in the D3 Power Rankings and making it to the Elite 8 during playoffs. It is a really great honor to represent my team and WHS with this award!

Cortney Leung: It’s an incredible honor for which I am truly grateful. It means a lot to me because my hard work and dedication are being recognized. I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for my coaches and teammates, and I am so grateful for them as they have shaped me into the player that I am today.

Fielding Mayhugh: Being awarded this was an amazing accomplishment! My team went 9-1 in the league, and we won the State Championship for the 1st time in WHS history. So, to be named POY on top of our team accomplishments is the best feeling!

Is there a particular coach that helped you reach your potential?

Darling: Both my current club coach, Tim Mason, and my high school coaches, JP, Rizzy and Cat, have been so important in helping me and our team achieve our goals. I am so appreciative of all of them. In addition, there are special coaches from my younger years to whom I owe a great deal, including Coaches Billy and Diego.

Leung: Both of my WHS coaches, Gianna and Kim, have pushed me to be the player I am today. They always encourage me to be the best player I can be. I have learned so many valuable lessons that are applicable on and off the field, and they have truly made me a better person.

Mayhugh: All my club coaches and Coach Eileen!

If you do club, what do you like about club season?

Darling: Both my WHS and club teams are like extended family to me, and we have so much fun on and off the field together. With my club team, I have friends from all over eastern MA, which I love! This is my last year playing with my club team, so we are hoping to have a super memorable and fun last season together.

Mayhugh: Club season is super competitive, since you’re playing high-level athletes from across the country – which is definitely the aspect of club I love the most! I also love traveling with my teammates and having time to bond off the court as well.

If you are a captain, what do you do to inspire other players?

Leung: As a captain, it is important to be positive and encouraging and to set a good example. I always put in my best effort, which motivates other players to do the same. During difficult times, I like to remind others of all the good that has happened so far and to guide them to learn from any mistakes made. I always remind myself and others that field hockey is a team sport and that any individual mistake does not determine the outcome of the whole game.

Mayhugh: Being a leader on the court means that I have to take charge and be there for my teammates. During games, I try to take the pressure off and get everyone to just play their game without worrying about mistakes. Everyone plays better when they are playing stress-free. Also, I always try my best to have good energy and encourage my teammates in order to bring up the overall team energy.

What is your best advice for younger athletes?

Darling: Make sure to surround yourself with people who you respect and like. Don’t always be lured by the best or highest ranking team, because the culture of your team is far more important than rankings or performance.

Leung: Always try your best and put in the hard work. Putting in the extra time to master a skill is so important when it comes to being a great athlete. Never give up on yourself and always have a goal in mind. Don’t always compare yourself to others and focus on pushing yourself to be the best athlete that you can be.

Mayhugh: Try to get in as many reps as you can and practice on your own when you get the chance. Definitely make sure you are playing the sport because you love it!

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