The Penn State Women's Field Hockey team has a long-standing tradition of excellence, with a reputation for developing some of the finest players in the country. The team boasts a talented and experienced roster for the 2021 season, looking to build on their previous success and continue their pursuit of a conference and national championship.
Coaching Staff
The team is led by head coach Charlene Morett-Curtiss, who is entering her 35th season at the helm. Morett-Curtiss has built a storied career, with over 500 victories and numerous conference championships to her name. She is supported by associate head coach Lisa Love, assistant coach Stuart Smith, and goalkeeper coach Sarah Dalrymple.
Players
The Penn State Women's Field Hockey team boasts a deep and talented roster, featuring players from all over the country and beyond. Let's take a closer look at some of the key players on the team for the 2021 season:
Offense
The Nittany Lions will rely heavily on their offensive firepower this season. Leading the way is junior forward Sophia Gladieux, who was a unanimous selection to the All-Big Ten First Team in 2020. She is joined by fellow junior Bree Bednarski, who was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection last year. Rounding out the offensive unit are senior Lia Sinisi and sophomore Megan Kercher, who will look to make an impact in their increased roles this season.
Midfield
In the midfield, Penn State is anchored by senior Marissa Sheva and junior Abby Myers. Sheva is a versatile player who can contribute on both ends of the field, while Myers is a dynamic playmaker who led the team in assists last season. The team will also rely on senior Ally McCarthy and sophomore Peyton Halsey to provide depth and energy in the midfield.
Defense
The Penn State defense will be a key component of their success this season. Senior Bes Bovelander is the anchor of the back line, bringing experience and leadership to the unit. She is joined by juniors Tatum Funk and Emma Spisak, who both saw significant playing time last season. Rounding out the defense is sophomore Katie Birch, who was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team last year.
Goalkeepers
The Nittany Lions are fortunate to have two talented goalkeepers on their roster. Senior Brie Barraco is the team's primary goalkeeper, having started all 11 games last season. She is joined by sophomore Riley Donnelly, who saw limited action last year but has shown promise in her limited opportunities.
Previous Performances
The Penn State Women's Field Hockey team has a rich history of success, having won six national championships and numerous conference titles. In recent years, the team has continued to perform at a high level, qualifying for the NCAA tournament in 2017 and 2018. Last year, the team finished with a 7-4 record and advanced to the conference semifinals before falling to Michigan.
Future Goals
The 2021 season presents a new set of challenges for the Nittany Lions, but they are eager to compete for another conference and national championship. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the team has the potential to achieve great things this season. Their journey begins on August 27th, when they take on the Louisville Cardinals in their season opener.
Conclusion
The Penn State Women's Field Hockey team is poised for another successful season in 2021, with a deep and talented roster and a coaching staff with a proven track record of success. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, be sure to keep an eye on this team as they pursue their goals and continue to build their legacy.
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