photo by Peter Warren

  In time for the upcoming fall sports season, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School is bringing back girls field hockey for the first time since 1990. The young junior varsity team is coached by middle school physical education teacher and assistant winter and spring track coach, Alexandra Neidig.

  “My goal is to have everyone on my team successfully learn the game of field hockey,” Neidig said. “And to love the game and sport as much as I do.”

   The team has been conditioning vigorously in order to have enough endurance for games. Their focal points have been running, fitness, and basic skills. Once school starts, they will start working on more challenging maneuvers.

   “These afternoon practices are tough in the sun and we are all working hard, working together,” freshman forward Catherine Buren said. “It is going to be tough but we are going to get through it.”

   Even though the program is new, Neidig has a lot of confidence in the team. The team is looking forward to playing tougher teams and competing with more experienced players. Although their season is just starting, the team is already looking to the future.

   “I think, hopefully, that we will have three teams [varsity, JV, and freshman] in five years,” Buren said. “We are looking forward to growing, little by little.”