By: Jamie Smith | Staff Writer
Senior field hockey players (from left to right): Shay Schoones, Lauren Mark, Grace Peterson, Allie Freeman, Tatum Humphries and Khanyisile Mzizi
Women’s Field Hockey had a successful senior day on Oct. 31, with a Halloween overtime win that secured an 8-0 ODAC regular-season record. The seniors were celebrated in this game and reflected on their time here at Lynchburg with fond reminiscence.
The girls have left a lasting impact on each other and the program’s values for years to come. “Being a part of this program has meant so much to me,” Allie Freeman said. “I always have a continuous support system and motivation from my teammates and coaches that made me want to strive to be a better player and version of myself for them. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”
Another senior, Lauren Mark, recognized her time in the program by the lasting friendships she’s developed with teammates. “This program has given me lifelong friendships, and it has taught me how to overcome adversity, along with helping me grow as a person,” she said. “I am grateful for the memories and relationships I have made throughout my time here.”
Head Coach Jenni Releford reflected on how this class has changed over the past four years. “I’ve watched them grow in confidence, maturity, and their understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves,” she said of her team.
“They’ve learned how to navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and support one another. It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch them evolve over these four years. They may have come in as freshmen, but they are leaving as young women who have made a lasting impact on myself and this program.”
Saturday’s game was the last of the ODAC regular season and ended in intense overtime minutes. Shay Schoones said she “was definitely emotional, knowing it’s our last regular season game, but throughout the whole game I had faith that we could hustle hard and get the win. I mostly just focused on giving 100% for my teammates.”
Freeman comments on Schoone’s pre-game pep talk to the girls, knowing they were going into a tough game; she uplifted and motivated her teammates by telling them to ‘play for the person in front of you, behind you, and to the sides of you.” Freeman also commented on how “Since our freshman year, Shenandoah has always been a big rival for us and getting to win in OT alongside my classmates on our senior day was a bittersweet experience.”
Junior Grace Peterson was also celebrated on senior night because she will be graduating early and therefore won’t be present for next season. Peterson said, “Especially this year, I’ve learned what it was like to depend on people and have people depend on you. It is extremely rewarding to feel a part of something bigger than yourself, and that’s exactly what this team is.”
Peterson also recognized ‘Coach Jenni’ for her application of life advice in her coaching when she said, “That it was okay to be nervous, but we have to be able to turn our nerves into power. While this was in the context of a big game last year, and a few this year, I think about that in several aspects of my life.”
Tatum Humphries and Khanyisile Mzizi reflected by giving their freshman-year selves two valuable pieces of advice: resilience and gratitude. Humphries said, “Stick with it, the struggles will make you stronger. Try your best to find the wins and enjoy this experience because it goes by so fast.”
Mzizi also noted how quickly her years at Lynchburg have gone by, advising her younger self to “Treasure each moment being a part of the team because the time you have here will fly by.”
The Field Hockey Class of 2027 will perhaps be recognized most for the lasting impact they have made on the program. Releford thanked the girls for their influence, saying, “They have helped shape the culture of Lynchburg Field Hockey, not just through how they compete, but through how they support one another, how they show up for each other and the standard they’ve helped establish for those who come after them.”
For more information about the field hockey team and this year’s seniors, visit the University of Lynchburg Sports Field Hockey website.