Recognizing the county’s unsung field hockey players
During the course of the season, every team has a player who always seems to work tirelessly behind the scenes to make practice and games a little less stressful.
It’s the player who’s always working hard at practice, showing leadership and is just a great team player.
The Trentonian wants to salute one of those players from each team as our 2022 Unsung Players.
BROOKE KUEY (ALLENTOWN) >>
Kuey, a senior, has been a steady and consistent player for the Redbirds this year. She is a true team player and there is no challenge that Kuey will not take on for her team. Her quiet contributions and dedication to the team are unmatched.
MAUREEN LEPOLD (EWING) >>
Lepold’s determination on and off the field is amazing. A player who is always looking for ways to make the team better, she has been a consistent presence in the goal putting every ounce of her energy into the game. She wants the best for her team and brings a ton of leadership
KATRINA SAMUELS (HAMILTON) >>
Samuels is a player who always puts the team first and her leadership has been very instrumental in the development of the younger Hornets. She is the glue that brings the defense together. No matter the struggles on the field, Samuels brings enjoyment
to her teammates.
PEYTON RUINA (HIGHTSTOWN) >> One of the most dependable players around, Ruina is always battling for 50-50 balls and she has been the anchor on the defensive side for the Rams. Her natural athletic ability allows her to make every play look effortless and easy.
LUCY WEBSTER (HOPEWELL VALLEY) >> Webster, a junior, has been the quarterback on the field for the Bulldogs. She has great field vision and is always communicating with her teammates. Webster brings a great work ethic to the field and has been a positive role model for the younger players.
MAYA ZAHLAN (HUN) >> Zahlan is a dedicated and committed teammate who works extremely hard every day. She always brings a creative energy both at practice and in the games. Zahlan always draws the toughest defensive assignment. Always a responsible teammate, she has been a key to the Raiders; success.
PETRA DOHERTY (LAWRENCE) >> A junior, Doherty began her career as a defender, but her overall talents have seen her play every position and do it well. Always putting the team first, she is constantly a positive force on the field. A leader who pushes her teammates to do better and is always willing to help anyone.
COCO HUNT (LAWRENCEVILLE) >> A solid player up and down the field for the Big Red, this senior defensive midfielder has a great game sense and capable of the big play. A tireless worker, Hunt always gives effort above and beyond. A player that leads by example.
GRACE GILL (NOTRE DAME) >> A staunch defensive player in the middle for the Irish, her play has been a key to their success this season. Gill is a player who will do whatever is best for the team. She battles for every ball and has been a key defensively around the goal.
VANESSA BRYK (NOTTINGHAM) >>
Bryk brings so much to the field other than ability as she is always positive and amazingly supportive of her teammates. Many times, it is her demeanor that keeps everyone relaxed. A diligent worker, she has learned to play the midfield position.
A senior, Evju has worked extremely hard to improve her game. She is motivated, determined and has shown great leadership to a very young team. Evju shows up every day ready
EMILIE EVJU (PEDDIE) >>
to work and ready to push her teammates. She has been a great asset to the young Falcons.
EMMA NELSON (PENNINGTON) >> Nelson has a great love of the game and is always playing or working on improving. Her stick skills are extremely impressive and she is the engine that drives Pennington’s transition game. She is tireless and plays with the heart of a lion every game.
GIANNA DIGIOACCHINO (PRINCETON) >>
One of the strengths of the Tigers is the defense and DiGioacchino is the leader of the defense. A very savvy player who understands the game and anticipates the plays tremendously. A gifted player and a leader on and off the field.
KATIE ZARISH-YASUNAS (PRINCETON DAY) >>
Never a player looking for the limelight, Zarish-Yasunas works diligently and tirelessly on defense and always makes the big play when the Panthers need it. She has become a more vocal leader this year. A very reliable player team player, she always had her teammates back.
DAPHEE LUONG (ROBBINSVILLE) >>
A player who is reliable and consistent on the defensive end, Luong is always tracking down the ball and she possesses great poise in pressure situations. Always challenging the other team’s top forwards, she is a natural born leader and can light up the team energy with her intensity.
AMBER DEWITT (STEINERT) >> DeWitt has taken it upon herself to work tirelessly to become a better player and a leader. Playing in the midfield, she has become a force to be reckoned with. Her knowledge of the game has grown so much this year. As she continues to grow, she helps her teammates in a multitude of ways.
MIA ZEBRAUSKAS (STUART) >> Zebrauskas’ compassionate and caring nature has endeared her to her teammates. Her consistent defensive play along with her tremendous heart and clear communication skills have kept the Stuart backfield grounded this year. She has a genuine passion for the game.
TANVI PABBATHI (WW-P NORTH) >> Pabbathi is a very talented player whose passion for field hockey shines whenever she steps on to the field. She is a player who leads by example and her work ethic inspires the entire team. A leader on and off the field, she has become a huge ingredient to North’s success.
BELLA ZOLA (WW-P SOUTH) >> Just a freshman, Zola always brings a great attitude and a desire to do whatever is needed each day. Asked early in the season to step in and play goalie when the Pirates didn’t have one available, she did such an amazing job that she earned herself a goalie spot on varsity. A true all-around player, she is always working to improve.
For more field hockey coverage, follow Joe on Twitter @j_ogorman819 and reach him at jogorman@trentonian. com