By: Claire Crawford

Photo courtesy of Tessa Santilly

As fall draws to a close, another sports season wraps up at St. Augustine. Despite a break from play for a full year due to Covid-19 restrictions, the girls field hockey team came back with a bang, finishing second place in YRAA’s tier 1. Headed up by senior captains Samantha Aube, Erica Chin and Audrey Miller, the girls put up a tough fight but ultimately lost to the undefeated Bill Crothers’ team in the finals. I sat down with the captains to discuss returning to the team post-pandemic, team bonding, and what field hockey means to them.

Were there any athletic challenges with returning to the team after a year off?

“A lot people, when we came back, were saying that they’re not fit. [The athletic challenges] were also a contributing factor [as] to why a lot of people didn’t try out this year.” Samantha stated.

On the topic of lack of recruits Audrey continued, “When we were in grade nine [the coaches] took four grade nines onto the team and everyone else was a returning player. This year, they only took six returning players and everyone else was new.”

“A lot of people have dropped out too.” Erica added. “We lost two or three people at the beginning of the season.”

“Also, people got injured.” Audrey stated, pointing out how one of the players had broken her toe.

How have Covid-19 restrictions changed the way you play?

“[Playing with] the masks and mouthguards was insanely difficult!” Sam said.

“It’s very hard to speak with a mouthguard anyways, and then you add the mask on top. After every game my voice was gone because [I was] trying to scream through a mask.” Audrey mentioned.

“It sucks because in all the other regions they didn’t require a mask, it was only York Region.” Sam noted, and the other two captains confirmed.

Did you find that team bonding was more difficult this season?

“No! This team was the closest team we’ve ever had.” Audrey and Erica stated. “[We’re all] very, very close.”

“We had a group chat, and I don’t even know what happened, just one day we all started talking and we all bonded so well.” Sam added.

“I also feel as grade twelves, we’re really engaging with the grade nines.” Audrey said

“And they feel super comfortable with us.” Erica added.

“[This year] it’s just such an inclusive group [and] everyone feels welcome.” Sam stated.

As senior captains, what message would you leave for the team going into the future?

“I hope that you win and go to OFSAA next year because Crothers has 15 graduating players, so you’ve got a chance!” Audrey joked.

“Next year’s the year!” Erica added on.

“In all seriousness, just keep playing, and play like you love the sport.” Audrey said.

Sam continued by saying, “I genuinely, really love the sport and it’s created so many opportunities for me. And I know it can do that for other players too.”

“The younger girls on the team, they’re going to have a lot of opportunities.” Erica stated.

“There’s so much potential, especially in the younger players.” Sam added on.

“OFSAA is definitely going to happen for them.” Erica declared, with agreement from both Sam and Audrey.