Amanda Freiler’s field hockey career has come full circle.

Freiler, formerly Peters, was a standout player for the Rough Riders until graduation in 2008 before she continued her career at Wilkes University. She played for legendary head coach Phyllis Derksen, and was part of the 2005 Colonial League champion team.

Over the past four years, she was the middle school head field hockey coach.

Now, Freiler will get her chance at the next level. In late February, she was named the head varsity coach, replacing Emily Marley, who served for the previous five seasons.

For Freiler, it was a natural progression.

“I thought it was a good opportunity,” said Freiler. “I know a lot of the girls from middle school. There is a relationship there, and it will be a matter of stepping it up to the next level.”

Freiler has been aware of the program’s struggles over the past few years – they won six games over the past five years – but has been impressed by the overall interest. During their summer workouts, Freiler has seen 20 girls apiece both involved with the middle school and high school programs.

“The girls were excited to see that I was coming aboard,” she said. “I can see that they have already grown. They are very interested and willing to work. There is a lot of structure being put in place.”

Freiler hopes to follow in the footsteps of her former coach.

“I realized how impactful of a coach she was,” said Freiler about Derksen. “I know what I have to do to be successful. I have always tried to mold myself after her.”

One telling fact about increased optimism has been their scoring ability in the Whitehall summer league. The Roughies blanked Whitehall, 3-0, and they also tied East Stroudsburg South, 4-4. They also will play in the Bethlehem Catholic summer league.

Putting balls in the net has been a major snafu in the past.

“They have been impressive so far,” beamed Freiler. “They have gained a lot of confidence, and they haven’t had issues on offense. We need to keep scoring.”

Freiler likes the makeup of her current roster that has six seniors, three juniors, three sophomores, and 10 freshmen. She has liked what she has seen from senior Abby Antipas and sophomore Shelby Haldeman, who have both helped set the early pace.

With some early positive results, Freiler isn’t afraid to raise the bar.

“We do have some high expectations,” she said. “We have a good eighth grade and freshman class. The seniors have been very supportive, and there is a good vibe here. The girls have been asking me what they need to work on to be successful. We also have the numbers, and we should be able to field a JV team.

“We’ll keep working hard during the summer and be ready for the season.”