The Salisbury High School field hockey team exceeded expectations of its coaching staff as the Falcons finished the 2021 season on October 13th. The Falcons concluded with a record of 5-12 overall, but according to head coach Jane Brennan, they were successful in accomplishing team specific and individual goals.

“Overall, I am pleased with the overall development of the team,” said Brennan. “The girls played their hearts out, with a determination that exceeded my expectations. They were able to help each other improve their own performance as well as working together toward improving their athletic development. Of course, we all wanted more wins, but our team dynamic goes way beyond that.”

With multiple wins on the field and the time together off the field, Brennan highlighted some moments that her and her team enjoyed most this year together.

“There are many memorable moments, but this team has shown that working back from a deficit is possible,” Brennan said. “It says a lot about a team that keeps showing up (not only physically but emotionally), time after time when the scoreboard is not favorable. Against Pen Argyl we were down 2-0 at halftime and won 3-2. We also had a few heart to heart conversations about true character development and the ability to celebrate what is going on on and off the field as well. On senior night, we not only celebrated the girls on the team, but we were able to celebrate the gender reveal of our assistant coach Katie Monahan’s future child.”

Salisbury will graduate eight seniors in 2022. It’s a group that has meant a lot to the program and Brennan.

“If I could attempt to explain this group I would say that they are accepting,” said Brennan. “Accepting of new players, new positions, new pre-season set up (we included our middle school players during summer workouts). They accepted with grace and class some uncomfortable calls and gained strength from addressing these situations head on. These senior leaders facilitated and built the teamwork skills of the team, and were able to steer a team toward some successes.”

Now Salisbury can look to the 2022 season and what is to come.

“We are looking forward to positive teamwork,” Brennan said. “To us it means a synergistic way of working with each player that is committed and working toward a shared goal. The future of the program is strong and we look forward to being a place of athletic, personal and character growth.”