Week 4

I played for the junior varsity team in high school my junior year. I was captain of the team and started every game as right inner. I would sometimes play the whole game, I would be completely exhausted after. The varsity team had made it to playoffs that year and the varsity coach said she would take one member of the junior varsity team and have them play during the play off game. I was that specific member. I ended up playing the whole last half and in over time along with the best players from varsity. I started off at the bottom and ended up at the top.


My junior year in high school I played one of the roughest sports out there- field hockey. I remember coming home after finding out that I didn't make varsity and crying all night long, my pillows were completely covered with mascara. A couple weeks into the season the team made me captain, which kind of helped the situation. My mom told me to stick with it because everything happens for a reason. I started the blood thirsty game as right inner, playing the whole game at some points. The varsity team had done well that year and made it to the playoffs. The varsity coach said she would be pulling up one player from jv to play in the game, she picked me. I remember the day lucidly, I wasn't put in the whole first half but the second half she put me in, keeping me there for the rest of the game. I was playing my absolute hardest, constantly trying to catch my breath. The game was soon tied, putting us into overtime. We were all sitting around the bench having a team talk when she told us she had made a change in the line up for the overtime. Overtime was the most important part of the game, it could make or break the season for us. She told us "I am making a risky decision and I hope it works out the way I want it to, Hillary you are going in." The whistle was blown for the game to start up again, we all ran out on the field, possibly one of the most exciting moments of my life. The game started up quickly, leaving no time for hesitation, every movement mattered. The crowd was roaring, parents cheering and screaming. Emily hit the ball to me and I sprinted after it, my whole life revolved around that little white ball. I did a break away play and was so close to the goal, I hit it across to Allie and she put it in. We had won the game, it was one of the best feelings ever.



I was sitting on the bench, listening to the coach tell us the players who made varsity. My anxiety level was higher than ever as I anticipated hearing my name. "Hillary Craig" she said and looked up and smiled. I simply smirked, I had made varsity, there was no doubt I was one of the best players, so why wouldn't I? I stood up and went to sit down with the other girls whose names were called. Peering over to the other side of the field where the jv team was sitting, so relieved to be one the better team. The season was a great one, I started every game and played the whole time. Winning games with break away passes and no-assist goals, I was MVP. All the girls were so jealous of me and I loved it, captain and star player of the varsity field hockey team, who wouldn't be jealous!? Our team had eventually made it to play offs, which had not happened in over seven years. Our coach and the whole school was ecstatic, not to mention we were hosting the game on our field- meaning lots and lots of fans. I remember waking up the morning of the game, so ready to play. Lucidly can recall taking a shower, throwing my hair up and putting my lucky "Brewer Witches" ribbon in a bow around the ponytail. I threw my stick and shinguards into my Escape and sped away from the house.. listening to "You Don't Know" by Eminem to get me hyped up. I was one of the first girls there to warm up a bit before the game. We were all so psyched to play, black lines etched across our cheeks, ready for war. Soon it was time for battle, I was starting, like usual. The game was intense, constantly running from one end of the field to the other. I had scored two points out of five, by the last minute of the second half we were tied 5-5. The referee blew his whistle, "overtime, each team will have ten minutes until then." Thirsty for blood, our team was anxious sitting on the bench, wanting to win so bad. The ten minutes felt like a lifetime, finally it was time to go back in. I went in with the top five best players on the team, obviously. The whistle was blown once again and the game started back up. Fiercely running after the ball, trying to win the game. My teammate Emily hit it to me, I had a break away play towards the other end of the field. I psyched the goalie out and slammed that ball right in the goal. The crowed was jumping up and down with excitement as all the players on my team ran out and hugged me.. I had won the game. Feeling like a superstar I walked proudly across the field to my coach where she gave me a high five, I was in the best mood the whole week after. My name was in the paper for scoring the winning goal, "Number 13, Hillary Craig, scored the winning goal for Brewer against Bangor, bringing her team closer to the championship game."