With another season on the horizon, The Milford Buccaneers field hockey team is looking to take the next step on their consistent rise in their level of play. It can be easy to forget that coach Andrea McPike is approaching her 15th season at the helm of Milford. While 15 years might seem like a long time, it has gone rather quickly for Milford. Each season brings new challenges, and this one is no different. However, the difference in the program’s development has been steady.
“We are getting girls that are coming through the middle school program, and it is making a huge difference. It used to be that we would spend the first part of camp teaching basic skills to more than half the team. Now we are getting players that have the skill and understand the system.” McPike said.
Once again, this summer a huge number of Milford players attended an off campus summer camp, this year, at The University of Delaware. Funded by family and community donors, this has been hugely important for the recent development of the team.
“Participating in these camps has been huge as we are constantly improving. To be able to get that extra work in not only helps us develop advanced skills, it also serves as a unifying experience.” McPike stated.
Like all high school teams, Milford is facing turnover. Looking to lead Milford will be All-State senior midfielder Molly Masten. With the ability to find the open player and facilitate in the circle, a great deal will be asked of Masten. When asked about the responsibility of being a senior captain, Masten feels that she is up for the responsibility.
“I think we have a great group of players here and I just want to help everyone do the best that they can. It’s really just about making sure that we all do our jobs and we will be fine.”
Milford is expecting a big contribution from their freshman as well, with nine on the squad, four of them are expected to see significant minutes. This includes Morgan Seilheimer, Haleigh Simon, Sloane Dondarski and Sophia Daniels. Perhaps the player with the most attention will be Daniels, who will be in goal for the Buccaneers. While this has been a deep position in recent years, Daniels is the only keeper on the roster.
“I have every confidence in Sophia. She does not play like a freshman; she is playing like a very seasoned keeper. She knows where the defense needs to be and how to play the position physically, I am really looking forward to watching her grow as the season progresses.” McPike said.
While Milford may be starting four freshmen, they will also be returning five seniors this season. Including Masten; Julianne Dickerson, Katelyn Joseph, Olivia Evans and Scarlett Fitzgerald.
“It is fantastic to have such a great group of seniors this season. They are all expected to be major contributors, McPike said. “It’s one of the most well-rounded group of seniors we’ve had and bringing the younger players to a higher level along with them.”
Speaking with sophomore Bria Leyanna, who is expected to be a big part of the midfield, she has been very happy with how the team has bonded over the course of the off season.
“We are a very tight knit group who really care about each other. I think all the hard work we have put in together will show up on the field. It’s also the other things like “Bonding Days”, where we just have fun as friends and a group that brings us closer together. There will be tough days, we understand that. But as long as we are there for each other, everything will be ok.”
Milford will open the season at home on September 8th at 4pm against Caravel.
