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12/07/2017 11:00 PMThere’s no such thing as too much practice when it comes to improving your craft. Bryce Makula took that sentiment to heart and got in plenty of offseason reps to become a better player for the Guilford field hockey team.
Bryce started playing field hockey in 7th grade before joining the Indians as a freshman. Up until last year, she took part in a futures’ offseason program with USA Field Hockey and competed with that club at nationals during her sophomore year. As a senior midfielder this fall, Bryce used what she gained from her extra experience to have a great year for the Indians, while helping them post 16 victories and reach the semifinals of the SCC and Class M State tournaments. She finished with six goals and two assists for the season.
“A lot of my success has to do with the bonding on the team. It’s about the team chemistry and how everyone reacts to things. [Head Coach Kitty Palmer] also has a lot to do with it. Her feedback is very helpful,” says Bryce. “Over the years, my mindset has changed, and I’ve adapted to other players around me. Strength and conditioning training has helped with my endurance. The camps and programs I did have helped me feel more comfortable on the field.”
Bryce was involved in the action on both sides of the ball at her midfielder’s position. She enjoyed this opportunity, because it gave her more room to roam and help manufacture points for the Indians. Bryce also liked providing assistance on crucial corners.
“I have a lot of endurance, so that helps me for midfield. I like helping the offense and the defense,” Bryce says. “When the ball gets transferred, I can move wherever. I also like to help out on corners on both offense and defense.”
Coach Palmer’s squad benefited greatly from Bryce’s dual-threat abilities. Palmer not only saw Bryce as integral with the process of getting the ball to the opposing cage, but also with closing out the operation by a scoring a clutch goal.
“She is a big contributor to our team. The team knows how valuable she is to our midfield and the success of our team,” says Palmer. “She is very athletic and has scored many important goals for us throughout her career. She is going to play in college, and we will really miss her play.”
There are several pivotal plays that can decide the outcome of a field hockey matchup. That’s why Bryce always maintained an upbeat demeanor during the heat of competition, while also having the time of her life.
“You have to always have a positive attitude. You also have to be in shape physically, because it gets tiring running up and down the field,” Bryce says. “You also have to have fun while you are playing, because it helps make things easier and more comfortable for everyone.”
Next year, Bryce will embark on the next phase of her field hockey career at Eastern Connecticut State University, where she will also study psychology. As she reflects upon her time with the Indians, Bryce thanks her family, friends, and Coach Palmer for all the ways they’ve contributed to her success as both an athlete and a person.
“I really love field hockey. Since I was a freshman, I’ve created friendships that have lasted,” says Bryce. “Kitty has helped me so much on and off the field. I enjoyed going to practice every day, and this team is my second family.”