Intro The tournament was on March 2, 2024 at Spooky Nooks in Pennsylvania
While it was the same weekend as the Girls Field Hockey Tournament but the Special Needs Field Hockey Tournament played in the turf by the Volleyball Tournament to avoid the loud noises that some people had noise sensitivity. There are 3 teams like Able Athletics Field Hockey, Long Island All Starz and Pennsylvania Revs.
Each side had 2 groups while Pennsylvania had 3 groups which they had a large majority of participants playing in the tournament. Match 1 Teammates Nicole, Farrell, Lauren and Emily 3-1. The match started off with some passes along the team and Emily got the opening goal after the first 2 minutes. Then I ran back and fourth to put myself in a position to defend the other team to score. Ian did an excellent job blocking the ball kicked it away. They’re times when Pennsylvania tried to score but nothing happened. I often passed it to Nicole and then passed it back to me and roll it to Emily which she ran and I ran to the front side of the field. Emily did a great pass to Farrell and passed it to me. I thought I was gonna score but the ball shifted to Lauren and she was able to get the last second pass to score another goal for the All Starz which it worked out well. I also give Lauren a high five because I didn’t realise it was going to be me and Lauren to score the second goal. Afterwards, I did a lot of the running back and fourth from offense to defense. It was a lot of work but I used my energy to make every move. I had everything right to block the ball so I can give it to my teammates but Pennsylvania Revs got the goal which I was just a few inches short to block the ball with my stick. Afterwards we did some passing and I moved up front and got the 3rd and final goal of the first game. I was out of energy and took a break from the tournament because I did a lot of the running then most of the team throughout the tournament.
After a water break and a group photo, Coach Alexa and my mom pointed out that there’s Former Olympic Athlete Keli Smith Puzo. I was able to meet and greet her for the honor to meet a former Olympian. I also took a photo with her which I told her everything about what was life like in the Olympics Team and the experience of playing for Team USA. Afterwards, the team had a meeting and watch group 2 of the All Starz played against Able Field Hockey of Westchester. We cheered and supported them with every effort before our next game.
When the second match began, we played another group of the Pennsylvania Revs Team. I passed to Nicole, and passed it back to me and I give it to Emily. She ran the ball all the way to the other side of the field and got the early goal. Then, Pennsylvania worked on the offense to get some shots on target but I was able to make some great blocks. Nicole was able to block the ball at one point when I wasn’t able to reach to the defender side. While I was able to pass it back to Lauren she was able to pass it to Nicole then Emily and give it to Farrell to score another goal for the All Starz. Therefore, the Revs decided to find a new way to get some passes and it work, while they get the chance of everyone getting the ball, I almost missed the block but Ian was able to save from going in. Then I was able to get the get the shot on goal but it was too close to call. Nicole was able to pass it to Lauren then Emily and back to me which I had a couple of close calls with the net. While I passed it to Nicole and give to Emily to Farrell but it was a close call for shot on target. Afterwards, the referee give the All Starz and we’re awarded with the free hit. I took a nice slap with my stick and I was able to score the goal for the All Starz. Afterwards, I was able to try to defend myself from them to score but it was fair that the Revs got one which there was nothing for me to block it in time. The Pennsylvania team cheered and celebrated the goal because they were able to finish the job. Then, the All Starz worked on the passing and ran around the field and Emily scored the last goal in the last minute before the game ended. The last minute was mostly passing from offense and defense but I almost got another goal but went a few inches off the left side of the goal post. The match ended and there was high fives and handshakes for good sportsmanship to wrapped up the game.
When the tournament was over, all of the teams came into the turf to sit down with the group. Our team decided to go for penalty shootout against Ian the Goalie. When it was by turn, I wack my stick and got in the goal and I was proud of myself. Afterwards, the whole group sit down and we socialized with our teammates before the Ceremony started. When the ceremony started, Coach Alexa did the announcements to award each athlete and everyone got themselves a medal and an All Starz T Shirt with a certificate from Sally Goggin. Afterwards the whole group took a team photo with our certificates and medals for our great experience playing in the Field Hockey Tournaments.
Afterwards, I was able to meet the Former Olympic Athlete Stefaine Fee who played for Team USA in 2016. I talked to her about everything about life when she used to be in the Hockey Team. I also encouraged that people should expand the interest in this sport. One day, people with disabilities can expand the sport and hopefully bring it to the Special Olympics in the United States and maybe possibly expand around the globe. I also had a great time talking to Sally with the effort of this sport growing in the USA. Hopefully it would be a popular sport for this generation of all ages who would love to play with their passion.
In conclusion, field hockey is expected to become more popular in the US in the future. Even though girls appear to love this sport, it would be fantastic to extend both the boys’ league and the sport to include more people with special needs. If they can strive to make the sport thrilling with the incredible experience, the United States Field Hockey Team has the potential to become the greatest Field Hockey Team in the world one day.
0 Comments