This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
12/09/2014 11:00 PMFor the Hand field hockey squad to make a run at both SCC and state championships this past fall, the Tigers knew they would need all of their athletes to step up-including one who changed to a new position for the betterment of both herself and the squad.
Senior Kacey McCarthy entered her journey with the sport back in 7th grade before starting lacrosse, which she still plays as a defender for Hand. Following the graduation of several forwards from the 2013 field hockey team, Kacey was called upon to move from midfield to the right wing of the forward line this fall. Along the Tigers' path to conference and state supremacy, Kacey notched 10 goals and four assists in her first campaign at the striker spot.
"I never expected to switch to forward, but I knew after last season that I was a natural midfielder and that we had a good midfield lineup set for this year so I didn't know what would happen to me going into this fall," says Kacey. "I picked up the forward spot in preseason drills and Coach [Sue] Leckey pushed me to push myself. I also got a lot of satisfaction out of scoring goals for the team. I knew that we lost a lot of forwards, yet I knew I could sprint up field and drive the ball in the cage. It took a lot of practice, but it paid off."
Leckey adds that Kacey's position switch and athletic abilities played right into the Tigers' offensive style of quick, clean, and crisp passing.
"She is extremely fast and adjusted nicely to flying down the right wing for us. We like to run and pride ourselves on moving the ball quickly up field, but without a fast right wing to complete the attack, it would be difficult to follow this game-plan," says Leckey. "Kacey empowered us to continue to work the ball fast up the right side. It was particularly fun to watch her realize her capabilities as an athlete. Her confidence as a player was catching up to her athleticism and her contributions this season was a testament to that growth."
The sprinting aspect came naturally to Kacey as it is one of her leisurely activities. However, in the heat of competition, she pointed out a new boost of swagger.
"With running, I've always been a runner and do it in my free time, plus I also did agility training at the gym to help with sprints," Kacey says. "I gained a lot of confidence as a player this year. I had some playing time my sophomore and junior years, yet I was never a varsity superstar and I surprised even myself. I felt I really got it done on the field and showing I could score at forward helped."
Kacey says that a two-tally performance versus a top non-SCC foe, along with subbing in for a teammate in a draw versus Lauralton Hall, were some highlights in her final campaign.
"We played Granby [a 6-1 win on Oct. 9], which was the No. 5 team in the state at the time, but it was great scoring two goals versus a good competitor," says Kacey. "We went to overtime with Lauralton in our second regular season game with them. [Senior forward] Katie Omdahl was hurt so I filled in for her in the 7-on-7 overtime. We tied them, yet that helped my confidence, too."
Kacey concludes by mentioning that a season which saw the Tigers claim their first state crown was the best way to end her tenure and something she was honored to be a part of.
"It was the best way a senior year could go. It was amazing and the best feeling to win SCCs and states," says Kacey, who thanks her teammates, Coach Leckey, and field hockey assistant Mike Niekrash, along with her family and the entire Hand community. "I didn't truly appreciate until this year how great it was to play for Hand field hockey, but I didn't regret that because this season was such a great year. Our coaches say how it's a gift to play for Hand field hockey and this year made me realize the truth behind that statement."