After graduating a number of players from last year’s team, Loomis Chaffee field hockey enters the fall with a younger group, new faces stepping into larger roles, and plenty of excitement about what the team can become. 

While the lineup may look different, the identity of the program has not changed: “Whether it’s a game of World Cup or the dying minutes of a match against Hotchkiss, our girls always give 100 percent and work hard to do their best,” head coach Lauren Williams said.  

That competitive mindset will be important as the Pelicans navigate a challenging schedule. After finishing 8-9 last fall, the team will have opportunities throughout the season to test themselves against strong competition.  

The coaching staff is looking forward to seeing how the group responds. “We have a very competitive league where the stakes are high for every game,” Coach Williams said. “Coach [Megan] Hazard and I are excited to see our team take on the challenges that this season will bring.” 

For senior captain Easton Pramuka, one of the most exciting parts of the season will be watching that growth happen. “We have a really great group of girls who genuinely enjoy being around each other, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together,” Pramuka said. “Especially as a senior, I just want to make the most of every practice and game and have a season that we’re all proud of.”  

With several players stepping into new roles, improvement will be an important part of the team’s journey. Pramuka said the group already has shown a willingness to push itself, learn from one another, and get better each day. 

“I think we have a lot of potential, and I’m excited to see where that takes us,” she said. 

But the season will be about more than results. The coaches are also looking forward to the traditions, relationships, and fun that come with spending a fall together as a team. Their hope is that the players embrace both the highs and lows of the season and enjoy the journey along the way. 

And when the Pelicans take the field, they hope to have plenty of support on the sidelines. The coaches describe their style of play as “high tempo with high effort,” while Pramuka said having a crowd behind the team can make a real difference. “Some of my favorite memories from past seasons have been games where there’s a big crowd on the sidelines,” she said, “and I hope we can have a lot of those moments this year.” 

The Pelicans open their season at home against Choate on Saturday, September 19, at 3 p.m.