Girls Field Hockey preview with Josie Formica
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Interview by Rebecca Stamato
I got to spend some time with Josie Formica, ’18, the girls’ varsity field hockey captain, to talk about her season. Although, we did not just talk about the fundamental aspects of the game. Josie explained that there is so much that goes into the sport and being on a team than what is seen during a game. There is a lot to learn through field hockey that carries through into daily life. No matter if you are a Severn athletics fanatic or not, you will definitely find motivation through Josie’s words of wisdom -- words she has discovered through her love of field hockey and leadership. |
Question: What are your goals as one of the varsity field hockey captains this year?
Josie: Our main goal is to win our conference this year; I think we have a pretty good chance. We came close last year, but we just didn't have that extra bit of energy to finish out on top. This year, unlike last year, we hope to not lose any conference games by a one or two goal differential. If we would have just stepped up a little more or had more excitement we could have pulled out more wins. So, starting this summer we planned more workouts and practices than last year. Plus, all of the seniors are more into it and add extra energy that was not there last year.
Question: What is one word or phrase you think describes your team?
Josie: I would say energy and strong work ethic. I think we have really stepped up this year. Everyone on the team is making contributions; it is never one person trying to carry the team.
Question: What do you do before you play games? Do you have a routine?
Josie: This year, the three captains write individualized notes to each girl on the team telling her what she does well and the strengths that she brings to the team to get her pumped up for the game. We had a game in the beginning of the season before we started this tradition and everyone thought that we weren't working as a team and that it did not even feel like a game day. There was no excitement. By doing this, it always feels like a game day. And then, of course, in the locker room we pump the music and get everyone excited to go out and do their best.
Question: What is the idea behind these bracelets I see you wear on game days?
Josie: Last year we lost to John Carroll, and it was such a close game. This year we knew we had to get pumped up for this game and pull out a win. So, Ashley (Ashley Clifford ’18, another FH captain) and I were in Five-Below looking around when we stumbled upon these Harry Potter bracelets. There are four houses in Harry Potter based on an individual’s personality and strengths. We used the qualities of each house and sorted the whole team into a house that suited them best and gave them their respective bracelets. For example, the Slytherin House was for players who are cunning and deceptive on the field, and the Gryffindor House players are brave and always step-up. Everyone wore their bracelets for the entire day and then when we got to the game coach [Betz Wild] told us that “we are all wizards, and your sticks are your wands.” It was really cool and everyone was really excited.
Question: What is it like having three captains lead a team?
Josie: Well, most teams have two, so I guess three could be perceived as a bit strange. We do have a large team this year and it has actually been very beneficial. We have all been working well together, and having three captains makes it easier for players to relate to somebody that is a captain. There has never been a conflict between the three of us and we are all very supportive of each other.
Question: What do you learn through field hockey that translates throughout your daily life?
Josie: I think the biggest thing is definitely team work and leadership. All the girls on our team are different, so knowing how to relate to someone is very important. If someone isn't playing well it’s important to know that maybe yelling and telling her to focus may not work as well for some people as being gentle, calming her down, or talking to her. You learn how different people respond and what makes their engine run, makes them focus and work hard. Also, just being supportive and being there for one another; we really are a family on and off the field.
Question: What are the positives and the hardships of being a Severn student and a Severn athlete?
Josie: The hardest part is definitely time management. At Severn we have a ton of homework, so sometimes balancing that can be difficult, especially on days when we have away games when the bus ride can be over an hour long. But time management is something that you learn quickly. Everyone says they are more efficient during the season because you get home and you don't have time to procrastinate, plus you've gotten in your needed daily exercise, so it's time to focus and get work done, then sleep. The best part is definitely being a part of something bigger than just yourself. Being a part of Severn Athletics, seeing the fans in the stands, being on a team that you see every day on the field and in the hallways, is what I love most.
Josie: Our main goal is to win our conference this year; I think we have a pretty good chance. We came close last year, but we just didn't have that extra bit of energy to finish out on top. This year, unlike last year, we hope to not lose any conference games by a one or two goal differential. If we would have just stepped up a little more or had more excitement we could have pulled out more wins. So, starting this summer we planned more workouts and practices than last year. Plus, all of the seniors are more into it and add extra energy that was not there last year.
Question: What is one word or phrase you think describes your team?
Josie: I would say energy and strong work ethic. I think we have really stepped up this year. Everyone on the team is making contributions; it is never one person trying to carry the team.
Question: What do you do before you play games? Do you have a routine?
Josie: This year, the three captains write individualized notes to each girl on the team telling her what she does well and the strengths that she brings to the team to get her pumped up for the game. We had a game in the beginning of the season before we started this tradition and everyone thought that we weren't working as a team and that it did not even feel like a game day. There was no excitement. By doing this, it always feels like a game day. And then, of course, in the locker room we pump the music and get everyone excited to go out and do their best.
Question: What is the idea behind these bracelets I see you wear on game days?
Josie: Last year we lost to John Carroll, and it was such a close game. This year we knew we had to get pumped up for this game and pull out a win. So, Ashley (Ashley Clifford ’18, another FH captain) and I were in Five-Below looking around when we stumbled upon these Harry Potter bracelets. There are four houses in Harry Potter based on an individual’s personality and strengths. We used the qualities of each house and sorted the whole team into a house that suited them best and gave them their respective bracelets. For example, the Slytherin House was for players who are cunning and deceptive on the field, and the Gryffindor House players are brave and always step-up. Everyone wore their bracelets for the entire day and then when we got to the game coach [Betz Wild] told us that “we are all wizards, and your sticks are your wands.” It was really cool and everyone was really excited.
Question: What is it like having three captains lead a team?
Josie: Well, most teams have two, so I guess three could be perceived as a bit strange. We do have a large team this year and it has actually been very beneficial. We have all been working well together, and having three captains makes it easier for players to relate to somebody that is a captain. There has never been a conflict between the three of us and we are all very supportive of each other.
Question: What do you learn through field hockey that translates throughout your daily life?
Josie: I think the biggest thing is definitely team work and leadership. All the girls on our team are different, so knowing how to relate to someone is very important. If someone isn't playing well it’s important to know that maybe yelling and telling her to focus may not work as well for some people as being gentle, calming her down, or talking to her. You learn how different people respond and what makes their engine run, makes them focus and work hard. Also, just being supportive and being there for one another; we really are a family on and off the field.
Question: What are the positives and the hardships of being a Severn student and a Severn athlete?
Josie: The hardest part is definitely time management. At Severn we have a ton of homework, so sometimes balancing that can be difficult, especially on days when we have away games when the bus ride can be over an hour long. But time management is something that you learn quickly. Everyone says they are more efficient during the season because you get home and you don't have time to procrastinate, plus you've gotten in your needed daily exercise, so it's time to focus and get work done, then sleep. The best part is definitely being a part of something bigger than just yourself. Being a part of Severn Athletics, seeing the fans in the stands, being on a team that you see every day on the field and in the hallways, is what I love most.