Photo by: Morgan Weindel
Field Hockey Seniors Reflect on Careers Ahead of Senior Day
10/27/2022 12:16:00 PM | Field Hockey
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh field hockey senior class has shown success during their tenure and the Mountain Hawks, culminating in this season, has established consistency in this program. Most notably, Lehigh has its posted back-to-back 10-plus win seasons since 1985-86, while also reaching consecutive Patriot League Tournaments since 2004-05. These seniors have the third-highest winning percentage, as of now, with a .506 winning percentage, which establishes the success that their hard work, persistence and leadership has paid off.
We caught up with the seniors ahead of their Senior Day Game on Saturday morning vs. Colgate.
#1 Sydney White – Crofton, Md. – Annapolis Area Christian School– Health, Medicine and Society
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
SW: My favorite memory would be making it to the Patriot League Tournament last year for the first time in many years. We felt so close as a team because we knew we had accomplished something really special and it took each and every one of us to get there. It wasn't just about wins and losses, it was about all the weeks and months of hard work coming together and paying off.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SW: As seniors, we have made a lot of memories that have brought us closer together over our four years. Especially after navigating the COVID pandemic which has made us even more thankful for the time that we have together and realizing not every practice, game, or season is promised.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SW: Going into senior day, I'm feeling a little sad but very grateful. These four years have gone by faster than I could have ever imagined but I am so thankful for the relationships and memories that I have made along the way. This sport has been such a huge part of my life and although it is sad that it is coming to an end, I would not trade it for anything and I can't imagine spending my last four years of hockey with any other team.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
SW: I will miss my teammates and coaches the most. Over my past four years, they have helped me grow into a better leader and a better person. They've taught me how to persevere through tough times and what it means to bring your best everyday for those around you.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
SW: I could not be prouder of this team and what we have accomplished. It is an amazing feeling to know that our class has made history through the milestones that we reached during our time in the program. Nothing that we achieved was ever easy or assumed so it has been a huge honor to prove others wrong and show what this team was and is capable of doing.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SW: After graduation I will be applying to and attending a school for a masters or doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
#7 Anna Piecuch – Selinsgrove, Pa. – Selinsgrove – Psychology and Journalism
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
AP: My favorite memory was beating Lafayette in overtime junior year on a stroke.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AP: My fellow seniors and I have experienced so much together, and I am super grateful to have had them by my side through this journey of growth in LUFH. I see these girls exhibit team first mentality, accountability, and hard work in everything they give to the program when they show up to practice each day. We have become closer with each year in the program, they inspire me to be my best self, and we have made so many memories that will last with me for a lifetime.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AP: I am feeling bittersweet about looking forward to what the future has to offer while also knowing I will miss the people who have made this experience so great. I am thankful for what these people have been able to teach me about myself, about field hockey, and about life values, in general. I appreciate that I can open up to anyone in the program, and that these people will push me to be my best because they believe in me.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
AP: I will miss the people that make LUFH awesome. The coaches, my teammates, and our friendships we have been fortunate to cultivate within my four years here. And I will miss LUFH tailgates.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
AP: I cannot even fully express how proud I am of what this program has been able to accomplish during our time here. I am very proud to say I have been part of this change that has earned us two back-to-back Patriot League Tournament appearances in about two decades. Our culture has cultivated such closeness that has translated into chemistry on the field, and our level of competitiveness at practices has made showing up and playing the sport we love really fun.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AP: I will be applying to Psychology graduate schools pursuing a Masters or Ph. D in Counseling Psychology.
#12 MJ Schwab – Haddonfield, N.J. – Bishop Eustace Prep – Biology
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
MJS: My favorite Lehigh memory thus far is in our 2021 season when we beat Lafayette in overtime on senior day. This day was so perfect because we got to celebrate our seniors and also pull out a win against our rival. This game also attracts a lot of Lehigh students and other athletes so it was so fun for us to perform so well with such a great crowd supporting us.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MJS: I am so lucky to have such a great group of girls in my class with me. Since freshman year we have all been really close with each other, and I love having them with me these past 4 years. Being friends as well as teammates is what makes our team so special, and I am so happy to be able to celebrate senior day with these 6 amazing friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MJS: Going into senior day makes me reflect on who I was when I came into this program and who I am coming out of it. This program has developed me into a stronger leader, a more confident person, and given me a resilient attitude that will all help me succeed far beyond my college career. I am so glad that I chose to be a part of this team a number of years ago and I am happy that I have continued every day since then to want to stay a part of Lehigh field hockey.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
MJS: I will miss my teammates the most. I am lucky to have 25 teammates that are also 25 friends. We have grown with each other in so many ways and have developed our relationships into lasting friendships that I cherish so deeply. Although I will miss being with them for so many hours on and off the field, I know that we will continue to stay in touch.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
MJS: I am so extremely proud to be a part of this program and watching it develop from when I was a freshman to now is just such an amazing feeling. Realizing that I was a part of that change is so special to me because I know this program will continue to succeed and break records. We have made so many strides in our team culture and it has taken all of us to buy into this program and we are seeing the results of this which is really validating for all of us.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MJS: I will be taking a gap year following graduation and applying to medical school.
#19 Sophie Leighton – Larchmont, N.Y. – Mamaroneck – Health, Medicine and Society
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
SL: My favorite Lehigh Field Hockey Memory would have to be beating Lafayette in overtime on last year's senior night. A rivalry win is always a great moment, and combined with being under the lights and celebrating seniors that meant so much to our program, it was such an amazing memory.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SL: Our class has developed such strong off-field relationships from not only being teammates for the past four years, but enduring the struggles related to competing and relocating during Covid-19. We have all developed an understanding of what each other needs to be their best, happiest selves, and know when someone needs a check-in or extra support. We also are constantly celebrating each other's success, and love spending time with each other.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SL: I have such bittersweet feelings going into senior day. It is exciting to have reached a time in my career where I can look back at the accomplishments that I and my fellow classmates have made, and be surrounded by family and friends in celebration of them. However, thinking about how the sport that has been such a large part of my life for the past 10 years will soon not be present daily brings a lot of emotions.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
SL: I will miss spending time every day with my teammates. Even when I am busy with school or extracurricular activities for the majority of the day, I know that I have a 2 hour outlet of time to spend on Ulrich field with the people who support and care about me. I have learned to appreciate this more over the years, and am going to miss having that time carved out of each day.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
SL: I am so proud of everything that LUFH has accomplished over my time here. When I think about the team culture and commitment to success my freshman year and compare it to now, there are so many changes that have been made to get us to where we are now. Our success is due to each and every member of our team coming in passionate about LUFH's growth, and committed to making it happen. For our class, a big part of that was setting high goals with tangible actions, normalizing new components to our team culture, and not being satisfied with where we are at. We have seen so much growth in our time here, but still are committed to seeing that growth continue well after our time on LUFH comes to an end.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SL: I am planning on working as a Community Associate for WW/WeightWatchers in New York City.
#20 Sarah Bonthuis – Oud-Beijerland, The Netherlands – KC Hoeksche Waard – Marketing
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
SB: My favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory so far is during this season and our Holy Cross win. Placing ourselves for the PLT for the second year in a row, having a winning season, and making sure that we have another week with this team was an incredible feeling. All of our hard work of the past weeks really came together. We have proven to be able to bounce back after tough losses / games and play our best and to see that portrayed on the field by every individual is one of the best feelings ever.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SB: I think that we are all very close. We have gone through a lot together and faced many adversities. In the midst of our freshman year, we were sent home and had to stay in touch with each other over zoom, as we were not just spread across the country, but across the world. After finally being able to be back on campus with each other, we realized how important it is to spend time together and valued it more. We have seen Lehigh field hockey gone from a program that was struggling when we came in, to a successful program. The work we have put in together made us do things we have never done before. Being a part of a group like that is incredibly special and rewarding. After our four years together, we can look back on a period of growth, rebuilding the program, and great accomplishments.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SB: Going into Senior Day, it feels bittersweet, it is crazy how fast time flies. However, the main emotion I am experiencing is pride. Looking back at the past four years, I see a program that has gone from being the underdog to being able to compete in every game we play. People look at us and now have high expectations. Being able to live up to those expectations and achieve things we have never done before, with a team this great, I can only feel incredibly proud. I am sad that our class is graduating, but confident that we are leaving the team in great shape.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
SB: The team. I almost have no words to describe how special this team is. Even though we won't be together on the field every day, I am certain that we will stay in touch and talk to each other even outside of field hockey. People don't realize how fortunate you are when you have a team like LUFH. We are not just friends or a team, it truly feels like family. My LUFHers have helped make America feel like my home away from home. I will miss our pre game dance parties, traveling to cool places together and achieving incredible accomplishments.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
SB: I have said it before, but I am so proud of this program. We truly work as a team, there are no individuals doing everything. If times get tough, we take on the challenges together and figure it out with each other. But even when we are doing well, we stay humble and composed, which I think speaks volumes about our team character. I think that my class and I can look back on a very accomplished 4 years at Lehigh and I take pride in being able to be chosen to be a part of this team.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SB: As of right now, I am planning to further my education in the United States by pursuing a Masters Degree and I am hoping to be able to use my fifth year of eligibility.
#23 CeCe Slaughter – Baltimore, Md. – Bryn Mawr School – Philosophy and Political Science
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
CS: My favorite Field Hockey memory was our trip to D.C. last year for our first patriot league tournament during most of the team's time at Lehigh. Everyone's excitement was contagious as we were all sharing our first PLT experience together. Although the results were not what we wanted, after the game we toured the monuments around Washington and had an amazing last team meal of the season with an incredible group of girls.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CS: Coming in with a relatively large class, one might be worried that there would be a divide in the dynamic of the senior class. This is absolutely not the case. We are a diverse group of personalities, but this made us mesh in a way that I will hold dear to me even after my Lehigh Field Hockey experience finishes. Experiencing a pandemic meant that we spent a lot of our time together, allowing us to strengthen our relationships with each other. Although our external experiences made us go through some ups and downs, being able to rely on each member of our class was a highlight of my college as a whole.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CS: While my role switched from being present on the field to then becoming a more prominent member off the field, I will miss being able to see my teammates every day. No matter how my day went, it was always extremely comforting knowing that I would have a couple hours to let go of that and spend quality time with my friends while also playing a sport that I love.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
CS: Field hockey has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old. When I look back Lehigh Field Hockey, I will miss seeing my teammates achieve their goals and watch their personal growth. I will also miss all of the activities outside of field hockey that the team does like our annual chopped competition and Halloween costume contest. Both the act of playing itself and all of the external culture building will be something I am sure to remember after my time here.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
CS: Playing a Division 1 sport is a difficult task, and watching everyone work through their challenges and seize opportunities is personally rewarding for me. For the team as a whole, I will miss being a part of a team that is working to do things that previous field hockey teams were not able to accomplish. Having two winning seasons in a row for my junior and senior year is a direct result of the hard work, early mornings, injuries, and discipline that the team has experienced.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CS: After graduation I plan to take a gap year before going to either Law or graduate school. In this year I hope to be able to travel and work for a non-profit or non-government organization that allows me to gain experience in topics that I am passionate about.
#78 Maddie Kahn – Ocean City, N.J. – Ocean City – Management
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
MK: I think my favorite LUFH memory is making the tournament last year. We had such a great season and making the tournament and going to DC was awesome.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MK: I am close with my class. Sarah, AP, and Sydney are my roommates so on top of field hockey we spend a lot of time together. It's been crazy over the past four years getting to know the other seniors and becoming close with them.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MK: I think it's a really exciting feeling also mixed with feeling torn. It will most definitely be a fun game day and I am sure the team will do a great job, but knowing that I am nearing the end of my LUFH career is odd. Being on the team for the past four years has been such a large part of my life, so moving on will be a strange feeling.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
MK: I will definitely most miss the team and the coaching staff. The team is awesome and everyone is fun to be around. I am really grateful to have been on LUFH with the teams I have been a part of in my four years. Coach and I have a great relationship and it's a weird thought that she will no longer be my coach once I graduate from Lehigh.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
MK: I am so proud of the LUFH teams I have been a part of. Coming in my freshman year was quite the change in my career. Losing is never easy, but being part of a team that has lost but has built a winning record and has clinched back-to-back PL tournaments is an amazing feeling. The progress that the team has made is the biggest accomplishment and take away
from my career here. I feel very grateful to be a part of this change and hopefully leave a lasting legacy on the program.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MK: My post graduate plans include using my 5th year of eligibility to earn a graduate degree. After I earn a graduate degree, I would like to secure a job somewhere on the east coast.
We caught up with the seniors ahead of their Senior Day Game on Saturday morning vs. Colgate.
#1 Sydney White – Crofton, Md. – Annapolis Area Christian School– Health, Medicine and Society
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
SW: My favorite memory would be making it to the Patriot League Tournament last year for the first time in many years. We felt so close as a team because we knew we had accomplished something really special and it took each and every one of us to get there. It wasn't just about wins and losses, it was about all the weeks and months of hard work coming together and paying off.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SW: As seniors, we have made a lot of memories that have brought us closer together over our four years. Especially after navigating the COVID pandemic which has made us even more thankful for the time that we have together and realizing not every practice, game, or season is promised.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SW: Going into senior day, I'm feeling a little sad but very grateful. These four years have gone by faster than I could have ever imagined but I am so thankful for the relationships and memories that I have made along the way. This sport has been such a huge part of my life and although it is sad that it is coming to an end, I would not trade it for anything and I can't imagine spending my last four years of hockey with any other team.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
SW: I will miss my teammates and coaches the most. Over my past four years, they have helped me grow into a better leader and a better person. They've taught me how to persevere through tough times and what it means to bring your best everyday for those around you.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
SW: I could not be prouder of this team and what we have accomplished. It is an amazing feeling to know that our class has made history through the milestones that we reached during our time in the program. Nothing that we achieved was ever easy or assumed so it has been a huge honor to prove others wrong and show what this team was and is capable of doing.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SW: After graduation I will be applying to and attending a school for a masters or doctorate in Occupational Therapy.
#7 Anna Piecuch – Selinsgrove, Pa. – Selinsgrove – Psychology and Journalism
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
AP: My favorite memory was beating Lafayette in overtime junior year on a stroke.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AP: My fellow seniors and I have experienced so much together, and I am super grateful to have had them by my side through this journey of growth in LUFH. I see these girls exhibit team first mentality, accountability, and hard work in everything they give to the program when they show up to practice each day. We have become closer with each year in the program, they inspire me to be my best self, and we have made so many memories that will last with me for a lifetime.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
AP: I am feeling bittersweet about looking forward to what the future has to offer while also knowing I will miss the people who have made this experience so great. I am thankful for what these people have been able to teach me about myself, about field hockey, and about life values, in general. I appreciate that I can open up to anyone in the program, and that these people will push me to be my best because they believe in me.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
AP: I will miss the people that make LUFH awesome. The coaches, my teammates, and our friendships we have been fortunate to cultivate within my four years here. And I will miss LUFH tailgates.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
AP: I cannot even fully express how proud I am of what this program has been able to accomplish during our time here. I am very proud to say I have been part of this change that has earned us two back-to-back Patriot League Tournament appearances in about two decades. Our culture has cultivated such closeness that has translated into chemistry on the field, and our level of competitiveness at practices has made showing up and playing the sport we love really fun.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AP: I will be applying to Psychology graduate schools pursuing a Masters or Ph. D in Counseling Psychology.
#12 MJ Schwab – Haddonfield, N.J. – Bishop Eustace Prep – Biology
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
MJS: My favorite Lehigh memory thus far is in our 2021 season when we beat Lafayette in overtime on senior day. This day was so perfect because we got to celebrate our seniors and also pull out a win against our rival. This game also attracts a lot of Lehigh students and other athletes so it was so fun for us to perform so well with such a great crowd supporting us.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MJS: I am so lucky to have such a great group of girls in my class with me. Since freshman year we have all been really close with each other, and I love having them with me these past 4 years. Being friends as well as teammates is what makes our team so special, and I am so happy to be able to celebrate senior day with these 6 amazing friends.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MJS: Going into senior day makes me reflect on who I was when I came into this program and who I am coming out of it. This program has developed me into a stronger leader, a more confident person, and given me a resilient attitude that will all help me succeed far beyond my college career. I am so glad that I chose to be a part of this team a number of years ago and I am happy that I have continued every day since then to want to stay a part of Lehigh field hockey.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
MJS: I will miss my teammates the most. I am lucky to have 25 teammates that are also 25 friends. We have grown with each other in so many ways and have developed our relationships into lasting friendships that I cherish so deeply. Although I will miss being with them for so many hours on and off the field, I know that we will continue to stay in touch.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
MJS: I am so extremely proud to be a part of this program and watching it develop from when I was a freshman to now is just such an amazing feeling. Realizing that I was a part of that change is so special to me because I know this program will continue to succeed and break records. We have made so many strides in our team culture and it has taken all of us to buy into this program and we are seeing the results of this which is really validating for all of us.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MJS: I will be taking a gap year following graduation and applying to medical school.
#19 Sophie Leighton – Larchmont, N.Y. – Mamaroneck – Health, Medicine and Society
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
SL: My favorite Lehigh Field Hockey Memory would have to be beating Lafayette in overtime on last year's senior night. A rivalry win is always a great moment, and combined with being under the lights and celebrating seniors that meant so much to our program, it was such an amazing memory.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SL: Our class has developed such strong off-field relationships from not only being teammates for the past four years, but enduring the struggles related to competing and relocating during Covid-19. We have all developed an understanding of what each other needs to be their best, happiest selves, and know when someone needs a check-in or extra support. We also are constantly celebrating each other's success, and love spending time with each other.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SL: I have such bittersweet feelings going into senior day. It is exciting to have reached a time in my career where I can look back at the accomplishments that I and my fellow classmates have made, and be surrounded by family and friends in celebration of them. However, thinking about how the sport that has been such a large part of my life for the past 10 years will soon not be present daily brings a lot of emotions.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
SL: I will miss spending time every day with my teammates. Even when I am busy with school or extracurricular activities for the majority of the day, I know that I have a 2 hour outlet of time to spend on Ulrich field with the people who support and care about me. I have learned to appreciate this more over the years, and am going to miss having that time carved out of each day.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
SL: I am so proud of everything that LUFH has accomplished over my time here. When I think about the team culture and commitment to success my freshman year and compare it to now, there are so many changes that have been made to get us to where we are now. Our success is due to each and every member of our team coming in passionate about LUFH's growth, and committed to making it happen. For our class, a big part of that was setting high goals with tangible actions, normalizing new components to our team culture, and not being satisfied with where we are at. We have seen so much growth in our time here, but still are committed to seeing that growth continue well after our time on LUFH comes to an end.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SL: I am planning on working as a Community Associate for WW/WeightWatchers in New York City.
#20 Sarah Bonthuis – Oud-Beijerland, The Netherlands – KC Hoeksche Waard – Marketing
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
SB: My favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory so far is during this season and our Holy Cross win. Placing ourselves for the PLT for the second year in a row, having a winning season, and making sure that we have another week with this team was an incredible feeling. All of our hard work of the past weeks really came together. We have proven to be able to bounce back after tough losses / games and play our best and to see that portrayed on the field by every individual is one of the best feelings ever.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SB: I think that we are all very close. We have gone through a lot together and faced many adversities. In the midst of our freshman year, we were sent home and had to stay in touch with each other over zoom, as we were not just spread across the country, but across the world. After finally being able to be back on campus with each other, we realized how important it is to spend time together and valued it more. We have seen Lehigh field hockey gone from a program that was struggling when we came in, to a successful program. The work we have put in together made us do things we have never done before. Being a part of a group like that is incredibly special and rewarding. After our four years together, we can look back on a period of growth, rebuilding the program, and great accomplishments.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
SB: Going into Senior Day, it feels bittersweet, it is crazy how fast time flies. However, the main emotion I am experiencing is pride. Looking back at the past four years, I see a program that has gone from being the underdog to being able to compete in every game we play. People look at us and now have high expectations. Being able to live up to those expectations and achieve things we have never done before, with a team this great, I can only feel incredibly proud. I am sad that our class is graduating, but confident that we are leaving the team in great shape.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
SB: The team. I almost have no words to describe how special this team is. Even though we won't be together on the field every day, I am certain that we will stay in touch and talk to each other even outside of field hockey. People don't realize how fortunate you are when you have a team like LUFH. We are not just friends or a team, it truly feels like family. My LUFHers have helped make America feel like my home away from home. I will miss our pre game dance parties, traveling to cool places together and achieving incredible accomplishments.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
SB: I have said it before, but I am so proud of this program. We truly work as a team, there are no individuals doing everything. If times get tough, we take on the challenges together and figure it out with each other. But even when we are doing well, we stay humble and composed, which I think speaks volumes about our team character. I think that my class and I can look back on a very accomplished 4 years at Lehigh and I take pride in being able to be chosen to be a part of this team.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SB: As of right now, I am planning to further my education in the United States by pursuing a Masters Degree and I am hoping to be able to use my fifth year of eligibility.
#23 CeCe Slaughter – Baltimore, Md. – Bryn Mawr School – Philosophy and Political Science
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
CS: My favorite Field Hockey memory was our trip to D.C. last year for our first patriot league tournament during most of the team's time at Lehigh. Everyone's excitement was contagious as we were all sharing our first PLT experience together. Although the results were not what we wanted, after the game we toured the monuments around Washington and had an amazing last team meal of the season with an incredible group of girls.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
CS: Coming in with a relatively large class, one might be worried that there would be a divide in the dynamic of the senior class. This is absolutely not the case. We are a diverse group of personalities, but this made us mesh in a way that I will hold dear to me even after my Lehigh Field Hockey experience finishes. Experiencing a pandemic meant that we spent a lot of our time together, allowing us to strengthen our relationships with each other. Although our external experiences made us go through some ups and downs, being able to rely on each member of our class was a highlight of my college as a whole.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
CS: While my role switched from being present on the field to then becoming a more prominent member off the field, I will miss being able to see my teammates every day. No matter how my day went, it was always extremely comforting knowing that I would have a couple hours to let go of that and spend quality time with my friends while also playing a sport that I love.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
CS: Field hockey has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old. When I look back Lehigh Field Hockey, I will miss seeing my teammates achieve their goals and watch their personal growth. I will also miss all of the activities outside of field hockey that the team does like our annual chopped competition and Halloween costume contest. Both the act of playing itself and all of the external culture building will be something I am sure to remember after my time here.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
CS: Playing a Division 1 sport is a difficult task, and watching everyone work through their challenges and seize opportunities is personally rewarding for me. For the team as a whole, I will miss being a part of a team that is working to do things that previous field hockey teams were not able to accomplish. Having two winning seasons in a row for my junior and senior year is a direct result of the hard work, early mornings, injuries, and discipline that the team has experienced.
What are your postgraduate plans?
CS: After graduation I plan to take a gap year before going to either Law or graduate school. In this year I hope to be able to travel and work for a non-profit or non-government organization that allows me to gain experience in topics that I am passionate about.
#78 Maddie Kahn – Ocean City, N.J. – Ocean City – Management
What's your favorite Lehigh Field Hockey memory up until this point?
MK: I think my favorite LUFH memory is making the tournament last year. We had such a great season and making the tournament and going to DC was awesome.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
MK: I am close with my class. Sarah, AP, and Sydney are my roommates so on top of field hockey we spend a lot of time together. It's been crazy over the past four years getting to know the other seniors and becoming close with them.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day? What are some of the thoughts going through your mind as you're nearing the end of your collegiate career?
MK: I think it's a really exciting feeling also mixed with feeling torn. It will most definitely be a fun game day and I am sure the team will do a great job, but knowing that I am nearing the end of my LUFH career is odd. Being on the team for the past four years has been such a large part of my life, so moving on will be a strange feeling.
What will you miss most about Lehigh Field Hockey?
MK: I will definitely most miss the team and the coaching staff. The team is awesome and everyone is fun to be around. I am really grateful to have been on LUFH with the teams I have been a part of in my four years. Coach and I have a great relationship and it's a weird thought that she will no longer be my coach once I graduate from Lehigh.
How proud are you of what this program has accomplished, and how much pride do you take in being a key part of the change?
MK: I am so proud of the LUFH teams I have been a part of. Coming in my freshman year was quite the change in my career. Losing is never easy, but being part of a team that has lost but has built a winning record and has clinched back-to-back PL tournaments is an amazing feeling. The progress that the team has made is the biggest accomplishment and take away
from my career here. I feel very grateful to be a part of this change and hopefully leave a lasting legacy on the program.
What are your postgraduate plans?
MK: My post graduate plans include using my 5th year of eligibility to earn a graduate degree. After I earn a graduate degree, I would like to secure a job somewhere on the east coast.
Playing for something bigger than the game
Thursday, October 23
MHT EP3 - Field Hockey
Thursday, October 16
Field Hockey vs. Boston U.
Saturday, October 04
Field Hockey vs. LIU
Sunday, September 28
