This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
01/06/2021 11:00 PMScout Climie is only a sophomore, but she’s made a quick impact as a member of the field hockey squad at Guilford High School. This fall, Scout helped Guilford claim the latest in its long line of postseason titles.
Scout started playing field hockey at Adams Middle School in the 7th grade, because she wanted to stay active and spend time with her friends. Scout didn’t necessarily foresee field hockey becoming a passion for her at the time. However, once she started playing, she couldn’t stop.
“My favorite aspect of the sport is the mental game,” says Scout. “You always have to think ahead about where your feet need to be, where your stick needs to be, and where the ball is going to go.”
A defender, Scout helped Guilford put together a banner campaign in 2020 as the team finished with a record of 12-1-0-1 on its way to taking the SCC Division A title. Guilford captured the crown by earning a 5-1 victory versus Cheshire in the championship game of the SCC Division A Tournament.
Along the way, Guilford recorded a trio of victories against crossborder rival Hand, including a 4-1 win over the Tigers in the divisional semifinals. Scout’s favorite memory of the season came when Guilford posted a 3-1 road win over Hand in the regular season on Oct. 15.
“I was super nervous, but gained confidence as the game wore on. I felt I played my best game, and, most importantly, we got the win,” Scout says. “You could feel the spirit throughout the whole team, and it grew and grew all season. That game was a turning point for me where I felt part of the team and that I had earned my spot on this team.”
It was a big accomplishment for Scout to make Guilford’s varsity roster and secure a starting spot as a sophomore. That achievement was especially meaningful for Scout considering that she had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during the summer.
“I had COVID in July, and it’s been harder than I thought it would be to get back my stamina. I had to adjust my expectations, as well as my mental and emotional mindset. There have been ups and downs, but I’m feeling better overall, so I’m looking forward to getting back,” says Scout. “I really needed to lean on my teammates, all of my coaches, the high school trainer, and my doctor to make sure I could be at my best and still play safely. I felt incredibly supported by them all season.”
Head Coach Kitty Palmer praises Scout for the way the sophomore dealt with the situation this season after recovering from COVID. Palmer describes Scout as one of Guilford’s toughest players.
“Scout and her family had COVID last summer, and Scout suffered from asthma before getting COVID. She has reduced breathing because of the COVID/asthma issue. We had to monitor her breathing throughout the games and practices,” Palmer says. “She never complained and never wanted to come out of the game. As a sophomore defender, she started every game and became so solid and dependable. A total team player, she just did her job with her strong drives and stops. We are happy to have her leading our defense two more years.”
Scout calls Palmer a legend and feels grateful for all the support that she received from her coach throughout the season. Scout says that Coach Palmer has helped her become the best version of herself on the field.
“Kitty is a legend and she is demanding. It always makes you want to play your best and put your best effort on the field,” says Scout. “Her style really helped me grow throughout the season and into the player I needed to be.”
Scout didn’t want to take any moments for granted during the 2020 season and worked hard at improving as a field hockey player. Scout consistently showed up early at practice and then stayed late in order to hone her defending and stick skills.
“I tried to take any extra opportunities to work on my skills before and after practice with other teammates and at home,” Scout says. “Our team is close. We have a bunch of sophomores who have played together for four years now, so we sometimes work on things together.”
Aside from field hockey, Scout is also a member of the girls’ basketball and lacrosse teams at Guilford. She started playing lacrosse in 3rd grade, picked up basketball in the 4th grade, and has also played club lacrosse for the past six years. In her free time, Scout enjoys baking, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
Scout believes that the Guilford field hockey team can have an even better season next year. Even with the club losing several key seniors, Scout still sees Guilford having another outstanding season.
“Next season, most importantly, I hope our team improves,” says Scout. “We are losing a few starters next season, and it will be fun to watch us all come together to continue being the best we can be.”