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09/20/2018 12:00 AMAfter helping the Westbrook field hockey team have a historic year in her sophomore season, Avery Bauman knew she had to step up as a junior to help the Knights maintain their winning pedigree. Avery passed her test with flying colors last fall, and now she’s looking to lead Westbrook to another memorable campaign as a senior captain this year.
Avery, a midfielder, was part of a Westbrook squad that claimed both Shoreline Conference and Class S state crowns in 2016. However, the Knights graduated many key players from that championship roster, and so Avery was asked to take on a leadership role as a captain last season. Avery scored six goals and had five assists on her way to earning All-Shoreline Conference and All-State First Team honors, while helping Westbrook return to both postseason tournaments. Avery and the Knights are out to a 2-0 start this year.
“After my sophomore year, we lost a lot of seniors, so coming into last year, I didn’t know what to expect and felt pressure to help keep the team where it was from the year before. I was so shocked when I heard I made All-Shoreline and All-State. It was such an honor,” says Avery. “I loved stepping into the captain’s position and being able to work with the fellow captains. I couldn’t have asked for a better position.”
As a midfielder, one of Avery’s primary responsibilities is to serve as an intermediary between the Knights’ forwards and defenders. Avery loves the dual nature of playing the midfielder’s position, especially how she’s relied upon to keep the lines of communication open at all times.
“I like being able to play offense and defense. There is also a lot of responsibility with transferring the ball,” Avery says. “I love communicating with my teammates on stuff like where the ball is. It’s a plus, in my opinion. I couldn’t be happier there at that position.”
Avery prides herself on being a vocal leader for the Knights. She likes to motivate the younger players on the team and work with them to help them reach their potential.
“I’ve always been one to speak up and lead in a positive direction. I talked to some of the younger kids and they told me how they looked up to me and were excited to play with me,” says Avery. “I like to have that leadership position and be that role model. I love working with girls of different skill levels and personalities.”
Things have been going rather swimmingly for Avery and company during her second stint as a team captain. Avery attributes this to the fact that Westbrook’s roster features a tremendous collection of athletes who are both selfless and dedicated.
“Being a captain this year, there hasn’t been one thing that has gone wrong the whole summer or in the preseason. It’s great to work with these girls two years in a row as a captain,” Avery says. “It’s been an inspiring time so far being with them, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s great to lead a wonderful group of girls.”
Head Coach Janet Dickey praises Avery for her ability to produce points for Westbrook. Dickey adds that Avery always makes sure that each one of her teammates is involved in everything the Knights do together as squad.
“Avery has amazing field vision and ball-handling skills. She has a great presence in front of the cage and the ability to both score and assist on goals. She is our field general, truly running the attack and communicating in transition,” says Dickey. “Her ability to include the entire team in all activities is incredible. Avery has a huge heart, and she puts her all into everything she does, both on and off the field.”
As she dives into her final season with the Knights, Avery says she’s been inspired by the championship journey that one of her teachers went on during his playing days. As a result, Avery is as motivated as ever to help Westbrook capture some more postseason gold.
“One of my math teachers [Pat Hanssen] won some state titles when he played high-school football, and he showed me his state title rings, and being able to bring home state title rings as a senior would be awesome,” says Avery. “I just keep thinking of those rings when it comes to who or what we are playing for this year.”