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11/04/2016 12:00 AMEven though this is only Cami Makula’s first year as a varsity starter, she’s playing like a seasoned veteran in the cage with the Guilford field hockey squad.
Cami first picked up field hockey in 7th grade before joining the high school program. Cami waited three seasons for her opportunity to start in goal, but the wait has certainly been worth it for the senior keeper, who’s posted 10 shutouts with an .821 save percentage and allowed just nine goals for the Indians, who went 13-2-0-1 on the regular season.
“The biggest thing has been confidence. My teammates and [Head Coach Kitty Palmer] brought it to me,” says Cami, a co-captain. “I also went to field hockey camps at the University of Maryland in the offseason and I also did some private clinics, which helped a lot.”
As one who plays such a pressure-packed position, Cami realizes the importance of always keeping a clear head and an upbeat demeanor. When it came to her earning the captain’s designation, Cami knew that she had to quickly get in some rapid reps after hearing the news.
“Being a good goalie is all in the head. I think if you don’t think about something too much, it’ll work out. I also try to keep the team positive,” Cami says. “When I was announced as captain, I knew I had to work hard in the offseason because I never played varsity. I knew I had to get more experience in.”
Cami says that she’s always prided herself on her leadership abilities. Now that she’s in an esteemed leadership position with the Indians, Cami knows it’s her responsibility to bring along the future generation of Guilford field hockey players.
“I’ve always been a leader, so I just kept working towards being a captain,” says Cami. “We also started a youth field hockey camp in town with the kids this past spring in trying to get more kids into the sport.”
Coach Palmer says that a lot of Cami’s success stems from her preparation because the netminder never stops working to get ready for the next practice or game.
“She started her first game on the varsity this year as a senior. She worked as hard as I have seen a player work before and during the season to be as good as she could be for the team,” says Palmer. “Her mental preparation was as good as her physical skills. She is determined to perform to the max of her abilities. It’s a kid who you root for because her story is as good as it is because it’s all from effort. The team and I are very proud of her.”
A never-ending support system among Cami and her teammates have carried Guilford to great heights season. Along the way, the Indians have passed a few stern tests that helped them get ready for the rigors of postseason play.
“We are a close team and have been brought together. We are able to communicate and give advice to each other, both good and bad advice. It all gives us huge confidence,” says Cami, who thanks her parents Greg and Susan, along with her teammates and the Guilford field hockey coaching staff. “We have to work together and put everything into it and then we’ll have a chance. We had a 3-0 win over Hand, which was huge for us. We also lost 1-0 in overtime to Branford, which also brought us together because we showed we could do anything.”