The Santa Clara Bruins field hockey program is still in its infancy, given that it was kickstarted just three years ago in the fall of 2021. However, from year three to year four, the program has nearly doubled in size.
Head Coach Laura Jones didn’t have the luxury of a junior varsity squad during the first three seasons, but this fall, the amount of players has ballooned from 19 a year ago to 35 this season. That is more than enough for the 11-player sport to field a varsity and JV team this season.
So, what has led to the big increase in player turnout? Was it a crucial social media campaign? A school newsletter? A passionate parent speech at a PTA meeting? Or just word of mouth from the girls on the team with their classmates?
According to coach Jones and her players, it was primarily the latter. Three years into the program, and seemingly, the word is out to girls at Santa Clara High that field hockey is a genuinely great time and a great way to participate in some Bruin pride.
“It seemed to be all word of mouth,” acknowledged coach Jones. “I do have one younger sibling this year, and she brought friends. I had a few freshmen last year and then some of their friends are coming this year. And then, for whatever reason, all of these freshmen were like, ‘Let’s try!’ so yeah, all word of mouth 100%.”
“I think our first few seasons, a lot of people just wouldn’t know what field hockey was,” acknowledged third-year player Hannah Lane. “I think it’s just gotten more recognition as the years have gone on and more girls are talking about it. I think that’s a lot of what brought people out. Once they come out and see the fun environment, a lot of them will recommend their friends.”
“I think the influence we’ve had now as upperclassmen; we’ve been able to spread the word that it’s a great time to be out here,” added junior Ina Forzetting. “Our team as a whole is really positive; we don’t bring any drama to the field. We are very upbeat and chill.”
Sophomore Geet Kaur validated Forzetting’s comments by describing how helpful the girls were to first year players when she was a freshman.
“The team is really amazing. They were so supportive whenever I had questions,” beamed Kaur with a big smile. “Everyone is just there to help.”
That team camaraderie and bonding have gone hand in hand with improved performance on the field this season.
“It’s great. This is my second season and it’s definitely the best so far. We have really come together as a team,” remarked Sora Pham on how the season is going. “I think we’re doing better than expected; we’ve won a lot more games than we did in the past.”
The Bruins currently hold a 2-3 record and will look to surge to and above .500 as league play continues into October.
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