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11/14/2017 11:00 PMJunior Annie Cooper and the Warriors’ field hockey team recently completed their 2017 season after making it to the Shoreline championship game, as well the State Tournament. Annie was a big part of her squad’s success this year, and she showed that by scoring a big-time goal against North Branford in the conference final. One of Annie’s biggest strengths is her ability to play all ends of the field, and she was selected to the All-Shoreline Conference Second Team as a utility player as a result of that versatility.
In addition to field hockey, Annie also plays for the Valley girls’ basketball team. With field hockey finished for the year, Annie is anxious to get the winter season underway. While some might welcome a break following a grueling field hockey season, Annie is already set to go for basketball.
“It’s not anything that I’m not used to. I love both the sports,” Annie says. “It’s just exciting to get going and start something new. The two weeks between are kind of boring to me.”
That’s a typical sentiment from Annie, who wants to be involved with as much as she can on the field. Annie is always ready to do whatever her team needs and, because she’s so versatile, she can make an impact no matter what position she plays. This fall, Annie totaled three goals and four assists for the Warriors, while doing her best to support her team wherever she was needed.
“I can play anywhere on the field, but I really like midfield. I’m the kind of girl if, I’m not all over the field, I get nervous,” says Annie, an Ivoryton resident. “I like to be involved in every play. I like playing center mid, and I like defense, as well.”
Annie can also jump up on the attack, and a prime example of that came when she scored a goal versus North Branford in the Shoreline Conference final. It was a big moment for Annie, who felt proud of herself for slowing down the game and converting for the Warriors in a huge spot.
“I have been working so hard to get that all season...I know we didn’t win, but that goal meant the world. Normally, in a game, I get super stressed out, and I want to hit the ball as fast as I can. But I remember I slowed the ball down and took a breath,” says Annie of her goal. “It was the best. It was an awesome feeling. All my teammates came up to me after I scored. They are the best. There were a whole bunch of ball girls who ran onto the field when they shouldn’t have. It was so awesome. Everyone was so caught up in the moment.”
Warriors’ Head Coach Beth Powers was just as caught up in the moment as everyone else when Annie netted that all-important goal, which gave Valley a 1-0 lead.
“It was a stupendous goal. Not only was it advantageous time wise, it was beautiful,” says Powers. “It was one of those that lets coaches say, ‘That was just how I drew it up.’”
Annie had a chance to show off her skills on the goal, but Coach Powers says that’s just one of the things she brings to the table for the Warriors. Powers feels that Annie’s drive to help her team play to its potential will help Valley achieve even more success next year.
“She has great skill on both ends of the field. It makes her a good midfielder. She plays up on the attack corners and, because she’s a good ball handler, she has scoring ability, even though she relishes in her support role,” Powers says. “She’s very skilled and dedicated. She brings the appropriate level of intensity, which is an asset. Everybody needs one of her on the team. She’s a natural leader, and I’m sure as a senior next year we will rely on her natural leadership.”
Annie displayed her leadership skills by working with some of the younger players on the Warriors this fall. She tries to help anyone who may be struggling with certain techniques, but according to Annie, that isn’t always necessary.
“Everyone on the team has their own skill set and things they need to work on. I can see when they are struggling and zone in on that and help them improve as best as I can,” she says. “The grade behind me are all really good players, so I don’t really have to say much to them in terms of improvement. “
With a lot of young talent on the roster, the future looks bright for Valley, although Annie isn’t sure what next season will bring. Annie knows that she may not even be playing the same position depending on what her team needs, but that’s perfectly fine with her.
“There’s always room for people to move around. I might even move. I don’t know,” says Annie, who thanks her junior teammates Mia Cost, Francesca Pisanzio, and Olivia Kohlmer; her family, and her coaches for their support. “That’s up to Coach Beth. I trust her judgment. I know wherever she puts people is the best chance we have to win.”