Field hockey, excited for this season, maintains the energetic and devoted energy from last year. Of the 16 players on varsity this year, 10 are returning varsity players. Despite being mostly senior players, the team is still as bonded as ever. Last season, the team made it to CCS playoffs with a league record of 11-3-2 and an overall season record of 14-4-2. They scored a total of 62 goals last season and are starting this season off strong with a staggering 10-0 preseason win against Lynbrook High School. Don’t let the skirts fool you, this team has a knack for winning high-pressure games and giving private schools a run for their money.
Unfortunately, coaches Lynley Takaki and Taka “Sugi” Sugimoto will no longer coach the team this year, as Lynley just had her third child and Sugi retired. While Coach Lynley coached the Westmont varsity field hockey team for some time, Coach Sugi coached the JV team for much longer. Sugi coached the JV team for about 30 years now, and will no doubt go down in Westmont history as a living legend. While the team will miss these coaches dearly, the new coach, Adam Perez, will push the team just as hard to achieve their goals. “I’m just excited to be a part of such a great group. Coach Lynley did a fantastic job creating a program with great culture and I just want to continue that,” Coach Perez expresses. The new JV coach, Liz Jarrett is also super excited to step up as a field hockey coach. “Enjoy the game, learn through play, and have a good time with your teammates… and always be competitive,” are some of the values that coach Jarrett emphasizes. On top of this coaching change, they also have two new teams entering the league, Christopher High School and Gilroy High School. While both of these teams pose a challenge, Westmont field hockey is prepared to face that challenge head on.
Overall, the girls can’t wait to compete in the Mount Hamilton league this season. While this team has a strong bond on the field, they have an even stronger bond off the field. “I am definitely super excited for all the team bonding because I feel like that really helps both on and off the field,” senior Taylor Casillas exclaims. The team values friendship and acceptance above all else, creating an inclusive and fun environment for everyone.
Come support your Westmont Field Hockey team on Tuesday, September 13 at 5 p.m. in the Westmont bowl. They play Prospect, a heated rivalry. Then on Tuesday, September 20, also at 5 p.m., the Warriors play Willow Glen at home. Both of these games will be competitive and fun to watch!