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12/01/2021 11:00 PMThe Guilford field hockey team put together the latest in its long line of stellar seasons by claiming SCC and Class M state titles this fall. One of the biggest contributors for the Grizzlies was junior forward Grace Barlage, who scored the first two goals of game when Guilford earned a 4-0 win versus Wethersfield in the state final.
Grace plays the left wing position for the Guilford field hockey squad. Grace finished her junior year with 12 goals and 11 assists, while helping the Grizzlies post an overall record of 22-1 on the campaign.
“My favorite moment as a player was scoring the first goal in the state championship game,” says Grace. “After going three quarters without scoring, it was stressful. Being able to score for my team and myself made the moment special, and being able to come away with a state title was amazing.”
Grace started playing field hockey when she was in 7th grade. Grace had tried out several sports prior to that, but never felt a true connection like she did with the game of field hockey.
“It was my family friend that gave me her old field hockey stick that got me into the sport,” Grace says. “I used to play soccer, but once I started practicing field hockey, I seemed to have a natural affinity for it. I picked up the stick skills and formations fairly quickly, soon afterward falling in love with the sport itself.”
Grace helped Guilford claim its third-straight state title and win its fourth-consecutive SCC championship this fall. While enjoying a storybook season with the Grizzlies, Grace felt that her connection with her teammates was stronger than it’s ever been, making the experience even more meaningful for her.
“I love connecting with the girls on the team both on and off of the field,” says Grace. “That’s really what makes us great—the bond we share with each other.”
Head Coach Kitty Palmer describes Grace as a player who always stays calm and collected under pressure. When Grace netted the first of her two scores in the Class M final, Palmer felt that took pressure off of everyone else and spurred the Grizzlies to the state crown.
“The first one with seven seconds to go in the third quarter, it was a huge relief as she lifted the ball over the Wethersfield goalie. It served to relax the team, and our offense then converted three times in the fourth,” Coach Palmer says. “Grace played left wing all season and made huge strides in her positioning in front of the goalie and her stick skills from the tougher left side. Grace was extremely coachable and worked hard all season. It was great to see her hard work pay off in the final game.”
Grace describes her relationship with Palmer as one that features a healthy balance. Grace and Coach Palmer have fun working together, but are both competitive when it’s time to get down to business.
“I have a good relationship with Coach Palmer,” says Grace. “We joke around a lot, but the team has an understanding when it’s time to put jokes aside and take our drills seriously. This healthy balance allowed for us to grow throughout the season.”
Grace’s improvements as a field hockey player are a direct result of her work ethic away from the turf. Grace is always willing to put in extra hours at the gym in order to stay in peak physical condition.
“I train in my offseason by going to the gym and running track. I also work on my stick skills,” says Grace, who competed for the Guilford girls’ indoor track team last spring. “I also make sure to keep my body healthy by taking breaks when I need it, as well as eating nutritional foods during the season. It is really important for all athletes to take care of their bodies.”
The Guilford field hockey team is graduating some elite athletes from this year’s championship squad. However, Grace believes that the Grizzlies are going to be a contender once again in the 2022 campaign.
“I expect the same results next year. However, we must continue to build off of the skills we learned this season in order to grow,” Grace says. “While we can never guarantee a win, it is important to have the confidence and knowledge that we will succeed.”