By Brianna Hayes
New field hockey coach Mara DeRose played the sport in high school and on a club team at Virginia Commonwealth University.
“I wanted to share the sport with young girls in hopes that they’d enjoy it as much as I do and continue to throughout their lives,” Coach DeRose said.
The Lady Blue Devils have three returning players: junior and center defense Haley Smith, senior and midfield Saveya Patterson and junior and right defense Makala Nelson. They have been playing the sport since their freshman year.
Coach DeRose held pre-season conditioning sessions for the team, but the turnout was low. During tryouts this summer, she implemented game drills.
“The field hockey team is now able to get the ball to the offensive during games and has worked on corner plays for the offense to score,” Coach DeRose said.
Building strength has been a component of practices.
“The first strength you can give to an experienced player is power,” Coach DeRose said.
Coach DeRose said that team bonding has also been important.
“We have done a few team bonding activities at practice,” Coach DeRose said. “We’ve gotten to know more about their personal lives.”
The result has been positive for rookie junior midfielder Savan Matthews.
“We are all in a group message with each other and the coaches, so we can communicate when we are not playing,” Savan said.
Coach DeRose said the team’s performance has improved.
“I look forward to them seeing where they started versus where they will finish,” Coach DeRose said. “This program is a lot newer than most of the schools in Henrico County. I’m proud with how far they’ve come despite their inexperience.”
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