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09/30/2021 12:00 AMWhile growing up in Old Saybrook, Grace Adams saw all of her peers playing soccer when the town introduced a new sport—field hockey. Once she realized that field hockey was an option, Grace leaped at the chance to compete and has since developed a big-time passion for the sport.
Now, Grace is a senior captain who plays the right forward position for the Old Saybrook field hockey team. Grace and the Rams are off to a super start to the 2021 season with their record of 6-0-1.
“I have been playing field hockey for seven years now. I started playing because the sport had never been an option in our town,” says Grace. “Soccer was always the dominant sport. Once I saw the opportunity, I tried it and fell in love with it.”
One of the things that Grace loves most about field hockey is the teamwork that’s needed to succeed. The Rams have been displaying great teamwork while racking up the victories early on this year.
“The idea of teamwork and how it has such an impact on the outcome of the game is why I love field hockey so much,” Grace says. “The feeling of winning as a team is the best feeling in the world.”
Grace finished last season with eight goals on her way to earning All-Shoreline Conference Second Team honors. This year, Grace has scored four goals to go with two assists through the Rams’ first seven games. Grace’s expectations are for Old Saybrook to win the Shoreline Conference title and then advance deep into the State Tournament.
“I see the team going very far this year. We work very well together, and we are solid in every position,” says Grace. “Hopefully, our hard work pays off, and we are able to step on the field for the Shoreline finals game.”
Head Coach Nancy Gatta praises Grace for her progression as a field hockey player during her four years with the program. Gatta says that Grace is a true leader both on and off the field for the Rams.
“Grace has been an integral part of the field hockey program for four years. I started coaching this team in her freshman season, and it has been amazing to see her progress as an athlete over these four years,” Gatta says. “Grace has always impressed me with her work ethic, skill, attitude, and love for the game. I feel very honored to be part of her high school journey.”
Grace’s relationship with Coach Gatta extends beyond the sport of field hockey. The two of them have known each other since Grace was five years old, and Gatta knows that seeing Grace play her last game with Old Saybrook will be an emotional moment.
“I have watched this group of seniors grow up from the time they were in grade school, because my son is also a senior this year. It will be very emotional when Grace and her fellow seniors play in their final game this year,” Gatta says. “It has been such an honor to be a part of Grace’s life and share such wonderful memories with her.”
Similar to Gatta’s feelings, Grace realizes that her final season with the Old Saybrook field hockey team will be bittersweet.
“Coach Gatta and I have always had a close relationship. It’s only gotten stronger each year I’ve played,” says Grace. “It’s obvious she knows me as a player and how I can help the team the most.”
Old Saybrook made it to the Shoreline Conference final last year, but couldn’t compete in states after they were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grace feels ecstatic that the Rams are slated to have a complete fall season in 2021.
“Playing during the pandemic is very unpredictable. I’m very proud of our team for stepping up when some of our players were quarantined and, with having a limited season, it definitely caused its uncertainties,” Grace says of the 2020 campaign. “I’m proud of my team and our community for the way we came together during these hard times and made the best of the season we were given.”
Grace’s personal goal for this year is to continue improving her field hockey skills, along with her overall knowledge of the sport, as she strives to help Old Saybrook have a storybook season.
“I always try and read the field and know where to be at the right time,” says Grace. “I watch college games to see how the most advanced players in the game play.”