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11/13/2018 11:00 PMNo matter what side of the field she’s on, Janie Danaher is always ready to do whatever it takes to help the Guilford field hockey team succeed. This fall, Janie used her selfless style of play to garner some big-time recognition from the Southern Connecticut Conference, while helping the Indians make history by claiming their first SCC crown.
Janie, a senior midfielder, has handed out eight assists on her way to earning All-SCC First Team honors this season. On Nov. 3, Janie and the Indians posted a 3-1 win versus previously undefeated Cheshire in the SCC Tournament final to give Guilford its first conference title. The Indians kept their momentum going last week, when they defeated South Windsor 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the Class M State Tournament to advance to the semifinal round.
“I have played on the best team ever this year. Everybody is supporting each other, and [Head Coach Kitty Palmer] has made me a lot stronger as a player,” says Janie. “Getting First Team was crazy. I was actually surprised when I heard I got it.”
As a midfielder, Janie has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders when she’s supporting the Indians’ forwards and defenders. However, Janie embraces the grind of playing the position and gets great satisfaction when she can just let the ball rip.
“My favorite part about playing midfield is really just hitting the ball,” says Janie. “What’s tough is that there is a lot of running involved and you are involved in every play. A lot of times you have to run back on defense to help out.”
Janie says that her durability and endurance have improved as a result of her constantly moving up and down the field. Janie has also gained some ground in her mental game by serving as a veteran leader for the Indians this year.
“Physically, I’ve worked hard on getting faster and stronger,” she says. “I’ve also become more mentally tough, especially this year with my confidence and being a role model on the team. It’s always important to nurture the younger players.”
Speaking more about her leadership role, Janie knows that she’s relied upon to set a good example for her teammates. That’s why Janie always makes sure that she stays positive in every scenario.
“The most important thing for me is to never let people see you crack, because then they can feel the same way,” Janie says. “No matter what, I always feel we can win.”
Coach Palmer praises Janie for her ability to set the stage for Guilford’s opportunities on offense. She adds that Janie is a team-first player who brings an unwavering dedication to the Indians.
“Janie drives her balls into the circle, which causes many corners and shots on goal,” says Palmer. “She has played three years on varsity, and I can’t imagine this team playing without her. She is an unselfish, determined leader who cares only about the team’s success.”
Janie will always cherish Guilford’s victory versus Cheshire in the SCC Tournament final. It means a lot to Janie that everyone on the Indians’ roster gives their all on a game-in, game-out basis.
“The SCC final was my favorite day of field hockey. Cheshire is good and tough, but we felt confident in the game. Their streak was intimidating, but we knew if we could get the first goal, we could do it,” Janie says. “Our success this year has been because we play 100 percent as a team. Everyone plays a role that is equally important.”