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Honored

Three members of the Woodstock Academy field hockey team were honored including #7 Shaina Blain, #3 Sarah Douglas, and #8 Briana Kowolenko. Courtesy photo

 

 

 

Centaur field 

hockey gals

gain honors

By Ron P. Coderre

Woodstock Academy has only had a field hockey team for three years.  Despite the fact that the program is still emerging on the field, some positive things are happening, as the school recently announced a significant achievement for three of its seniors.

Shaina Blain of Pomfret Center, Sarah Douglas of Woodstock and Briana Kowolenko of Brooklyn have been selected for the National Field Hockey Coaches Association 2014 Keith Waldman Optimal Performance Associates/NFHCA High School National Academic Squad.  The selection recognizes high school seniors who have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or equivalent in the classroom.

The trio is described as passionate and kind leaders, who not only excelled athletically and academically but also demonstrated team spirit with underclass teammates and a willingness to give back to the community.

“We are very proud of our players for this incredible achievement.  These girls joined the team in the first year of the program.  It has been a delight to grow the program with them and see them develop as players and young ladies as we developed as a team,” said coach and Assistant Athletic Director Ann Rathbone.

Blain, who was a midfielder and defenseman, is described as a leader by example.  She’s been playing indoor and outdoor field hockey for five years.  “It’s a great honor to be recognized by the NFHCA and for all my accomplishments at Woodstock Academy,” said Blain.

Douglas, a forward on the team, was the epitome of a true team player.  One of the team’s leading scorers, the team created “Pulling a Douglas” to describe their scoring plays.  She’s been playing field hockey for three years and aspires to continue to play in college.  “It’s an honor to be chosen for the NFHCA Academic team.  It feels good to be recognized for the hard work we put in during the season,” said Douglas.

Kowolenko, who like her teammate Blain is a midfielder and defenseman, is known for her approachable personality, passion and dedication.  She’s headed to Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., where she plans on playing on the field hockey team.  “It feels good to be recognized and know that I excelled both academically and on the field during my final season at the Academy,” said Kowolenko.

During the 2014 season, the Centaur field hockey team posted a 5-10-1-1 record.  They finished on game shy of qualifying for the State Tournament.  Off the field the team was proud of the fact that it raised more than $2,500 for breast cancer survivors and research.