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10/22/2014 12:00 AMHannah Leckey reeled in the accolades for field hockey last fall as a junior and now the senior is building upon that and ready to go out with an even bigger finish this year.
The senior co-captain and midfielder came off a 2013 run that saw her collect both All-State and All-SCC team honors in addition to being picked to play in the Junior Select Game while helping the Tigers reach the Class M State Tournament semifinal round. Hannah hasn't shown any signs of resting on those achievements, as she is a top five scorer in the SCC with eight goals and 13 assists (29 points) for 12-2 Hand.
"It's just been working with the whole team a lot and connecting with [senior co-captain and midfielder] Erin Mammele and [junior midfielder] Sam Pavano," says Hannah, who has played at the varsity level for all four years. "We are looking to really win, so if I need to either assist on a goal or score for our team to win, then I'll do it."
The Tigers' vast amount of graduated athletes, along with Hannah's personal recognition from last year, pushed her to be even more prepared as she stepped into a greater role this season.
"Last year helped me be ready to play this year; we lost a majority of our starters, so I knew I had big shoes to fill," Hannah says. "The awards from last year also helped me push myself harder this summer in getting ready for the year."
In producing the points, Hannah explains it's all about picking your spots in addition to being on the same mental page with your teammates on the turf and knowing their individual strengths.
"I just try to assess the field and see what would be best, whether that is passing or shooting," says Hannah, who has also played softball for Hand since her freshman year. "Knowing how your teammates think on the field plays a big role in whether to pass or shoot. Our forwards are good at tipping the ball in, so I know if I pass it, the ball won't go wide."
Working alongside Mammele as a captain and having the support of her entire squad, Hannah adds that it's been nothing but the best being a leader.
"I have really enjoyed being captain. It has allowed me to step into a leadership position, plus Erin and I work so well together," Hannah says. "It's really fun to captain the team, represent the school, and support the team in that captain role. Our seniors are so close with each other and they are doing a great job of being leaders as well."
According to Hannah, the Tigers learned a lot about themselves during three contests against two SCC powerhouses in three-time defending title-holder Cheshire and league newcomer Lauralton Hall.
"Against Lauralton Hall [a 5-2 win on Sept. 10], we face a big competitor that had been to the state finals, but we did so well and it showed how good we could be," says Hannah. "In the first Cheshire game [a 3-2 loss six days later], we got behind by three quick then we had to pull together as a team. It showed that when we get behind that we have to take control, but then we got the win [4-3 on Oct. 7] the second time."
Hand Head Coach Sue Leckey states that Hannah takes any necessary steps to improve both her level of play and the team around her.
"Hannah is hard working and passionate about field hockey. She has taken advantage of many playing opportunities outside of our Hand season, so she brings us many drill ideas and technical expertise that help us get better as a team every day," says Leckey. "She wants our team to play at a high level and to win, so she will do anything to help accomplish those goals. She is very unselfish as a player, loves distributing the ball, and likes to make sure that our house is protected at all times. She will play any position we need her to play, and she will take full ownership of the job of that position. She and Erin Mammele as our captains are great role models; they have high expectations for themselves and their team, on and off the field."
Hannah feels that having your mother as a mentor on the sideline is a bonus for developing both her play and an additional layer to their relationship as the Tigers look to reach the next plateau in a SCC title and state final berth.
"I love having my mother as a head coach. It's a unique situation, and she is an excellent woman who knows so much about the game. It allows us to also connect on another level," says Hannah, who thanks her whole family and her club team, HTC (Hear the Cheers). "We have a good shot in SCCs and states, yet it won't be easy. If we work hard every day and play our best game, then we have a good shot to win."