When the Whitehall field hockey team exited the field after their district playoff loss to Emmaus, it marked the final high school game of Maddie Steiner’s career.

The senior forward knew that toppling the undefeated Green Hornets would be a huge challenge, but she was grateful that they had a chance to play this year amid all the upheaval surrounding the pandemic.

Their season got derailed almost as soon as it began, but they managed to rebound and make the playoffs. Playing this season allowed Steiner to experience her final year as a Zephyr, building on the memories she shared with her teammates as a varsity player.

“I was still thankful we were able to play,” said Steiner. “I made a lot of good memories this season.”

She said that facing an uncertain season in a way allowed them to lean on one another; they were in this fight together. After the hiccup at the beginning, they stood together and got into the postseason.

“We pulled together as a team,” said Steiner. “We were all excited to have a season.”

She tallied eight goals this year, increasing last year’s output by two goals. She said that becoming an effective scorer is ultimately about being prepared.

“I would just say being ready at all times in the circle,” said Steiner.

She also said that being aware of how the goalkeeper’s positioned is another key to becoming a successful scorer.

Finally, you have to quickly react when the ball is on your stick.

“You always have to be ready for that open shot,” she said.

The Zephyrs wound up losing 13-0 to the Green Hornets, matching the scores from their two previous meetings.

Steiner was a co-captain this year along with Allie Cook. She said that her interest in the sport began while watching her cousin Nicole Meckes play varsity field hockey while she was in elementary school.

“I became interested in the sport and I wanted to try it out,” she said.

She trotted onto the field while in middle school and has been playing the sport since that time. Her interest has also led to her participation in club field hockey, playing for Marojoka Hockey Club. She said her association with them began in seventh grade, and she plans to continue playing for them during the indoor season, provided it’s not interrupted.

“I really hope that it works out,” she said.

She’ll also run track in the spring and is hopeful that season will go off without a hitch.

Once she graduates, Steiner said that attending West Chester University is the most likely destination to continue her education. She’ll study nursing, and perhaps look to play for their field hockey club team while on campus.

Last year’s game against Stroudsburg stands atop the list of her fondest memories during her career. The Mounties had been a thorn in their side, winning the last 10 meetings. However, they finally halted that streak, winning 1-0 on an Emma Bonshak goal.

“We were the underdogs, and we pulled out a really tight game and won,” said Steiner.

That game was a lot of fun to be a part of and showed how they stayed resilient against a team that had their number, she said.