They say heart is half the battle when it comes to athletics. This saying rings especially true through the culture of Mount Field Hockey, whether players are on the field or off.
The Varsity field hockey team has been on a roll, closing out the regular season as a nationally ranked program. While their skill is apparent, playing a sure role in the victories, that’s not the only thing that is leading the Magic to these momentous wins.
The JV field hockey team stands loyally on the sidelines, bringing the energy to each game and pushing the players on the field to be the best they can be through infectious chants and cheers.
Cecilia Esbensen ‘27, sophomore attacker on Mount’s Junior Varsity squad, leads the way each and every game with heart, determination, and a loud encouraging voice.
She, with the help of a few teammates, creatively comes up with new cheers every few games, rotating through her favorites to motivate the field players to keep on hustling.
Esbensen draws inspiration from social media, old traditions, classic lines, and more. Besides just leading the chants, she makes sure that everyone is happily clapping along.
“I feel like when you’re on the field it’s really good motivation to hear other people cheering for you,” Esbensen said. “I just think of them [the cheers] in the moment sometimes and then everyone just starts to add to them, becoming sort of a team bonding moment.”
JV Captain Lily Friel ‘26 joins in with motivating the team to get involved, as she believes supporting the team on the sidelines is her way of contributing to the success and efforts of the players.
“Since I am not the best at field hockey and can’t really contribute my actual skills to the team, I was trying to find ways to help out in other ways. I think that cheering extra for Varsity is my way of contributing and it makes me feel accomplished,” Friel said.
Players on the field know to look and listen towards the sidelines when they need a burst of energy and encouragement, for their sisters will be there to loudly support.
“It makes me feel hype, and really gives me an extra boost of energy to get through the game. I am appreciative of their dedication to supporting our team no matter what.” Avery Lasky ‘26, starting Varsity defender said.
“It just makes me want to play better, as I want to make the team proud and not let my teammates down,” adds Julia McGlynn ‘27.
The culture of Mount field hockey continues to positively grow with passion and support, touching all grade levels no matter the skill level of a particular player. As the Varsity team moves into postseason play, they know they can count on their teammates to be there for them always.
