New team leadership has brought the Clark Field Hockey team closer after Callie Lekas became the head coach in August.
Callie is familiar with the competitive NEWMAC conference as she is a Wellesley alum and former assistant coach for the Blue. Callie accrued much success at her former Wellesley, helping them to NEWMAC championships and the NCAA elite eight tournament.
Callie shared her enthusiasm for Clark saying, “the transition to Clark so far has been really great. Everyone here has been so welcoming and the team has been really open, so that has made it a lot easier. I know it can be hard when a new coach comes in with a different coaching and playing style, but the team has really bought into that and I can see them believing in the process. Because of that, I truly have seen each individual get better as a field hockey player. Not only that, I see how this group of individuals is connecting as a team.”
The team was initially anxious about this transition, however it has proven to be for the best for the cougars. Gaby DeAngelis, a sophomore on the team shared, “I think the whole team was nervous about adjusting to a new coach and a new coaching style, but Callie has made the transition so smooth and easy. We fell into step with her right away.”
Team dynamics are better than ever according to sophomore Rai Bittues. She stated, “I personally think this is the closest I’ve ever seen our team be. We have a lot more fun in practice, we are all there for each other and everyone is so open to helping one another.”
This positive team culture cannot only be attributed to Callie, but to each individual that upholds the values and goals that they have set. Callie shared what the team is working towards saying, “our values for the season are accountability, respect, pride, gratitude, appreciation, positivity, and discipline. I’m a big believer that if we can be conscious of these things and do them right as much as possible, we will be in a terrific spot as a team. But we all know, living these values every practice, every game, and every day can be really hard. Our team goals this year ended up being part mental and part physical.”
Ultimately, Clark Field Hockey is geared up for the rest of the season and focused on driving toward success on and off the field. Gaby spoke for the team when she said, “we want to be a team that plays to win, and a team that plays together. We’re all just really grateful for the opportunity to be playing collegiate field hockey.”
Check out the cougars at their next home game which will take place next Tuesday, 9/20 at 7pm versus Daniel Webster at the Dolan Athletic Center.