The Middle School Field Hockey team is fortunate to have a robust coaching staff, each of whom bring their expertise in the sport and in coaching to the Tigers. We caught up with Zoë Sanderson who heads up the coaching staff to find out more about this season’s experience. 

What are the coaches’ goals for this year’s squad?
Zoë: “To create a positive and inclusive environment for players of all levels to learn to play the game. To encourage player growth, both on and off the field, through leadership, determination, accountability, and the power of positivity. To continue to grow and improve our field hockey program and to emphasize "team" over "winning". Our coaches know that if you focus on working together as a team, the winning will come. “

What is special about this team?
Zoë: “We only have one team this year which brings together novice and experienced players on the same field. The players on this team have been supportive and encouraging of each other, regardless of skill level. The more experienced players have helped the novice players understand the game better and by teaching, the experienced players reinforce their knowledge of the game. Everyone is empowered to share their thoughts about our team performance and through our open communication, we learn to be better players and coaches.”

Highlights of the season include two shout out victories against Friends Select (3-0) and Friends’ Central (4-0). Against FSS, goals were scored by Charlotte Molot ‘28, Maya Kohut ‘28, and Grace Chaisson ‘28. Versus FCS, Stefan Ackerhalt ‘27 led the Tigers with 2 goals; Molot and Kohut also scored. The Tigers wrapped up their nine-game schedule this week with success and great memories!

 “I’m so excited about this Middle School Field Hockey season. There was so much excitement from our developing athletes, and that is due to our wonderful coaching staff’s enthusiasm and leadership. As a former Division I field hockey player and the parent of a recent GFS graduate, Zoë is able to bring the technical and tactical knowledge, and deep understanding of the GFS student and experience to the program,” said Director of Athletics Katie Bergstrom Mark. 

Coaches photo, left to right:

• Alison Hammond - 1st year coaching GFS MS FH, also coaches Varsity Softball
• Zoë Sanderson - 4 years coaching GFS MS FH, 1 year coaching another HS team
• Chris Peterson - 1st year coaching GFS MS FH, also has coached GFS Girls on the Run
• Meghan Hughes - 1st year coaching GFS MS FH, 1 year coaching another team
• Paula Busser - 6 years coaching GFS MS FH, also coaches lacrosse
• Karen Cherubini (not pictured) - 1st year coaching GFS MS FH

 View the GFS MS Team cheer in the huddle!