By Rowan Chetty and August Zangrilli, Co-T/E Life Editor and Staff Reporter
On Sept. 27, the Conestoga field hockey team won its match against Garnet Valley 5-1. This game not only ended in a victory for the team, but was also marked a milestone for head coach Reagan Marscher: her 100th win.
Marscher began coaching the team five years ago. A 1995 Conestoga graduate herself, Marscher played on the field hockey team when she was a student. She believes field hockey in the Central League has changed since her time on the team.
“Back when I was a player, the other teams in the Central League dominated. It was highly competitive,” Marscher said. “A lot has changed since then, and we are now approaching our fifth consecutive Central League championship win.”
Over the years, Marscher developed her coaching philosophy to emphasize camaraderie and hard work.
“I would say two main pillars are one, a supportive network of teammates. We really encourage that as a group; whether it’s cheering for teammates or lifting them up during the game, that’s huge for us,” Marscher said. “The other is an extremely hardcore work ethic. We take practice really seriously. Whether it’s just some random practice or the day before a big game, we always give one hundred percent or more.”
Senior co-captain Shae Wozniak has played under Marscher for four years. She appreciates Marscher’s dedication to training.
“She always stresses the importance of hard work. We take everything seriously, and I think that pays off with our wins,” Wozniak said. “She is just an inspiration to all of us.”
To help prepare for games, players pass around the book “Mind Gym” by Gary Mack and take a “Mindful Minute” before games to help them stay calm. According to Marscher, many teams play more aggressively against Conestoga due to its impressive record.
“We always have a target on our backs because everyone wants to beat ’Stoga,” Marscher said. “On the back of our shirts this year, it says ‘pressure is privilege.’ We’ve earned that pressure over years of supporting each other. We welcome that pressure because it only makes us stronger.”
Rowan Chetty can be reached at [email protected].
August Zangrilli can be reached at [email protected].
