by Mimi Ramsdell
Every Wednesday, for the last six years, about sixty girls congregate on Hopkinton’s field hockey field. Their skills range from barely being able to hold a field hockey stick, to being a starter on the Varsity Field Hockey Team. This production, known as Buddy Field Hockey, is headed by Varsity Coach Connolly.
On the first day, every younger girl, from second to sixth grade, is assigned a big buddy on either the JV or Varsity Field Hockey Team. For the next five weeks the little buddy will learn the basic skills and rules of field hockey from her big buddy. The season is ended by a large, multiple town, Buddy Field Hockey Jamboree.
But why would Coach Connolly rather have her players playing and joking around with young girls instead of practicing? There are multiple reasons. Buddy Field Hockey keeps Hopkinton’s field hockey program strong. Girls can play soccer as soon as they can run, but there are fewer opportunities to learn field hockey. This program attracts girls who would usually be playing soccer, but learn they love field hockey.
Additionally, as Coach Connolly points out, this is one opportunity for the older girls to give back to the community. The older girls become role models for the younger girls. The older girls take pride in teaching and setting examples for the aspiring field hockey players. Some of the older girls were younger buddies when the program first started and are aware of how enjoyable the experience is.
Overall, for twenty dollars, not only does a young girl learn the basics of field hockey; she is able to meet new people, gain a role model, and have fun.
