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09/27/2018 12:00 AMAnnie Cooper is proving a special kind of player for the Valley Regional field hockey squad. Annie has the ability to play multiple positions on the field, and she’s always willing to switch it up depending on what her team needs at any particular time. Annie’s field hockey IQ and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of the Warriors make her ideal senior captain for a team that’s striving to become one of the elites in the Shoreline Conference.
Annie’s adaptability allows her to understand all facets of the game and lets her see plays developing that more specialized players may not. Annie just seems to have an innate sense for field hockey. So far this season, she leads the Warriors in assists with 10. This type of contribution is just another step in Annie’s quest to get better.
“I think, just in general, I feel like I’ve really improved. My drive has pushed me into experiencing new things with the team,” Annie says. “I’ve been playing for five years now and, when I didn’t play, I knew the game. My mom played field hockey in high school, so it’s in my blood.”
Annie believes that her biggest attribute is her ability to play anywhere on the field, although she feels the most at home when she’s patrolling the midfield. Annie is a tough player who can maintain possession through adverse circumstances for Head Coach Beth McCabe-Powers’s club.
“I play every position. It comes down to whoever we’re playing. Coach moves me around all the time, but mostly I play center mid. That’s my position,” says Annie, an Ivoryton resident. “I’m definitely known for my strong drives. I’m really powerful. I play three on attack corners. That’s where I show my arsenal of shots. Even on defense, I’m good at weaving around people, and that’s always fun.”
Taking on the role of captain is another new experience for Annie, although she has some familiarity with that dynamic. Growing up as a middle child, Annie saw what it was like to be mentored by her older brother Paddy. Now, Annie is mentoring her younger brother Matthew much in the same way that she was. Annie is taking what she’s learned from those experiences and applying it in her capacity as a leader for the Warriors.
“I’ve always thought that I’m a natural-born leader. That whole aspect isn’t new to me. My younger brother and I do things together all the time,” Annie says. “I am always teaching him things, and doing that teaches me stuff, too. I’ve also learned a lot from my older brother. That taught me a lot about having responsibility. In response, I was able to mentor my little brother.”
Annie considers herself a heady player. She’s always thinking about ways she can improve on the field in a given situation. In past years, Annie would ruminate on those things by herself. Now that she’s a captain, Annie is trying to share that thought process with her teammates, although it’s been challenging.
“For me, I’m definitely a player that plays in my head. I focus on my game and what I can control,” Annie says. “I used to just make sure that I was good, but this year as a captain, I have to be open with myself and help others to make sure that we are all communicating and connected. That’s been the hardest thing so far.”
Family is a big influence on Annie, who is constantly seeking advice from her parents, Matthew and Janet. Annie’s mother played field hockey, and so the two of them often talk about the sport. Annie’s dad typically offers advice about music to listen to help her settle down before an important game.
“When a big game is coming, I 100 percent talk to my parents. They humble me and get me to relax. Last year, before Shoreline finals, I talked with my parents all day,” says Annie. “I called them up and asked them to help me out with staying calm. They told me to breathe, and my dad would tell me to listen to the Grateful Dead.”
Coach McCabe-Powers relies on Annie to make the players around her better and says the senior captain’s knack for leading the team on the field is invaluable. While Annie is always looking to do more, McCabe-Powers says that she already brings so many positive traits to the Warriors.
“Annie is our field general, a leader in every way. She often draws a double team, leaving one of our forwards open to shoot,” says McCabe-Powers. “She works very hard and is her own worst critic. I have to remind her that if she was not drawing those double teams, we would not be successful. Annie is a player that always commands the attention of our opponents.”
As for the future, Annie already has some schools that are looking to lure her to play field hockey at the collegiate level. Annie would like to attend college in New York City, but only if it’s at the school that’s right for her.
“I definitely want to play in college. A lot of people have contacted me, and I’m in communication with a lot of schools,” says Annie. “I’m looking at schools in New York City. My mom grew up in Long Island, and I love New York. I’d love to be smack in the middle of the city if it works out.”