The Mt. Hebron Varsity Field Hockey team, led by captains Ally DeBels, Esha Shah, Mackenzie Strozyk, and Amelia Hogle successfully earned the title of County Champions.

DeBels believes that their most difficult win came against River Hill. 

“We didn’t play our best, but we were still able to pull out a win.” 

The team ended up edging out a 1-0 win. It is DeBels’ belief that in years past, he girls had potential but did not fully execute to give the team that last little push forward. 

Shah expressed her opinion that the girl’s game against Chesapeake was the most difficult game, because for the past four years, Chesapeake had ended the Varsity girls field hockey season. 

“This year we came out really focused and everyone showed up and played their best game. After we won, we sort of just dominated [the remainder of the season],” Shah said.

Cherry explained that the major driving force behind the team’s accomplishments this year is that more than ever, all the players were extremely close. 

“There is no drama and we do everything together. We plan things, and we do a lot of team bonding. [The team’s success] has lasted so long because we are just having fun. We read this book called the Hard Hat and it’s about how to be a good team, and everything you need to do to stay invested, and it makes us more committed to each other, selfless, and it radiates into our game.”

The team book has been one of the top influencers off the field for the team’s devotion to the game. 

“Hard Hat has brought everyone together and taught them new aspects of the game and working together,” said Hogle. 

Hogle wishes to end the season by continuing to build on what has already been established so far. 

“Our team moto is ‘One team, One dream,’” which means working hard everyday and leaving it all on the field,” Hogle added.

During their season, the field hockey team also celebrated a huge milestone for their coach, Ms. Jeanette Ireland, who achieved her 300th win as the coach for Mt. Hebron’s field hockey team.

Shah said, “We all signed a banner that had a big 300 on it, and brought it on the field and showed it to her, then gave her a big hug. There was a cake cutting ceremony and her whole family came.”

Though their season ended with a loss in the Regional Championship game, the Mt. Hebron field hockey team celebrated with pride a county championship title.