September brings a flurry of activities, busy schedules, sports, and, of course, field hockey. As our school community focuses on the start of a new academic year, it's worthwhile to reflect on the opportunities that summer offers.
One of those standout opportunities is the free summer field hockey program. Each year, Granville CSD teachers and coaches Katie Barber and Jessica Shaw assemble their high school team to introduce local youth to the sport.
Twice a week throughout August, student-athletes and their coaches host free field hockey clinics, fitness routines, and team-building exercises for local elementary school girls. Nearly 40 participants attend every summer, providing an accessible, local activity for students during the unscheduled days of summer vacation.
“This has been a vital part of the field hockey culture for over 15 years,” says Coach Barber, a physical education teacher at Granville Jr/Sr High. “We open this up to elementary school-age girls in the Granville community and surrounding towns, including homeschoolers.”
She adds, “The real superheroes are the Jr/Sr High field hockey players themselves.” Charlotte Warren, a senior on the team, participated in the youth program when she was in elementary school. She noted how much she enjoys volunteering and giving back to the program that fostered her own growth in the sport.
A group of field hockey youth program participants and modified and varsity players take a hydration break.
Greta Pisani, a parent of a participant, reflected on the program's lasting impact: “Being part of the Granville field hockey program is something I’ve been proud of since my own time at Granville Jr/Sr High. Now, seeing my kids enjoy the summer program and fall in love with field hockey at such a young age is both heartwarming and exciting. Coach Barber and her team set an incredible example for the next generation of Granville players. The amount of time, energy, and dedication they put into growing this program often goes unseen, but its impact on these young athletes is clear. I love seeing this program continue to thrive, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Granville field hockey.”
Two varsity field hockey players and a group of youth program participants.
"My girls have been attending since they were age three and five, for three years now", says Jacquelyn Fraser, another parent of two participants. "It's a perfect summer program because its a 'come when you can' program, so there's no pressure to attend each time, but it still provides a great mix of fun and learning new skills. Plus, my children love working with the modified and varsity players who are there to teach and coach alongside the adults." 
Back row: Two Field Hockey program graduates, Modified Field Hockey Coach, Caroline Gould and Coach Barber with a mix of modified, varsity and youth program players seated and standing in front of them.
Coach Jessica Shaw, a special education teacher at the Jr/Sr High School, expressed similar enthusiasm: “We look forward to keeping this momentum going and continuing to introduce the girls to our field hockey family spirit. Some of our current modified and varsity players started their athletic journey in this very program. Having them give back by leading during the summer is rewarding for us as coaches, but it's even more impactful for the young girls, who look up to them as mentors and role models.”
Coach Barber (on the left) and Coach Shaw (on the right) dressed in black for one of the many fun themed practices for team building.
Thank you to the coaches and players of the field hockey program for offering this program to the school community.
Pictures of the youth field hockey program, courtesy of the Field Hockey team.
Go Horde!
Resources:
Link: Watch a modified or varsity field hockey home game. Here is the link to the game schedule.