CAPTAIN’S CORNER: A Conversation with EA’s Field Hockey Captains- Bella Notaro ‘24, Paige McMeekin ‘24, and Grace Murphy ‘24

 Welcome to Captain’s Corner where I sat down with EA’s Field Hockey Captains- Bella Notaro ‘24, Paige McMeekin ‘24, and Grace Murphy ‘24

Can you tell me a little bit about your background in Field Hockey and your trajectory at EA on the Field Hockey Team? 

Bella Notaro ‘24:  I started playing field hockey around the age of seven where I competed in township leagues with fellow captains Grace and Paige. Our moms coached Fast Flicks together with all our friends. I started playing club field hockey as well and then transitioned into middle school and then high school where I am now. 

Paige McMeekin ‘24: I have been playing field hockey since I was in first grade and I've loved it ever since. 

Grace Murphy ‘24: I started playing field hockey around third grade and loved it so much. The first team I was on was a Fast Flicks team where Paige and Bella were also on it as well as many other girls in our grade! I played all through middle school and was excited for high school. I have been on varsity all four years and started for the first time sophomore year playing defense the whole time. 

What are some of the team's aspirations and goals for this season?

Bella Notaro ‘24: Our goal every year is to win the Inter-Ac so we have that goal again. And a big focus this year for us is maintaining a great team chemistry which we haven't always been able to do in the past. While maintaining good team chemistry and working hard we should be able to have a successful season. 

Paige McMeekin ‘24: In the past years we have had a very strong and successful team, so my goal for our team is to keep achieving what we have been in the past few years, Inter-Ac champs and placing first or second in the PAISSA tournament. 

Grace Murphy ‘24: This year the culture and team chemistry is a big thing for us. Games are going to be a lot more intense this year so we are looking to keep go team work throughout as well as having fun while doing it. And of course we want to win a lot of games!

 As a Captain, is there any one “stripe” that particularly resonates with you or upon which you will focus as you lead the Field Hockey Team this year?

Bella Notaro ‘24: I think respect resonates the most  with me. Respecting our coaches and the refs is a very important part of the game. But most importantly respecting our teammates. I am focusing on leading by example this year so that our team keeps up our connections and chemistry while on AND off the field. These connections all start with respect and will ultimately lead our team to success. 

Paige McMeekin ‘24: The stripe of self control is very important to me especially during sports because if you don't have self control it can affect the way your teammates and coaches will perform during a game. Personally I will always strive to have self control in hopes of my teammates following my actions. 

Grace Murphy ‘24: A stripe I am thinking about a lot this season is respect. Whether it is respecting my teammates, coaches, opponents, ref, or myself, respect plays a huge role into our game. 

As a senior and a captain, do you have any advice or insight for freshmen just starting out in high school at EA with regard to Field Hockey or otherwise?

Bella Notaro ‘24: My advice would be to put yourself out there. Don’t hold back and be nervous to be yourself just because you are a freshman. Everyone has their value so don’t lose yours by not stepping out of your comfort zone. Especially on the field hockey team it’s important to embrace yourself and embrace your teammates to help make our team the most successful it can be.

Paige McMeekin ‘24:  My advice would be to try to meet and get to know all the older girls on the team as much as you can because you will only have one or two years with them. 

Grace Murphy ‘24: Don’t be afraid to mess up in a drill or look perfect all the time, whether that be on the field or in the classroom. Coaches and teachers look for who is trying their hardest and really working to improve rather than getting frustrated. Also don’t be afraid to ask the upper classmen/seniors/captains for help or any hard questions you may have because everyone is willing to help you. 

Thank you Bella, Paige, and Grace! Best of luck on a wonderful senior season!

- STRIPES ON THE GO BY GO