A little over a year ago, Senior Suzie Pileckas never thought that she would find herself in the school’s field hockey goalie gear. For the first time in her life, Pileckas was asked to give up her position on the field to assume her new position as the team’s goal keeper. But, after playing for only one year, Pileckas earned stats that stood out to colleges like Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Along with Pileckas, seniors Lexi Pace, Carolyn Moorefield, Courtney Daniels, Rayna Trinidad, and Emma Haupt’s combined efforts have a 17-4 record last year. As in year’s past, the team’s ultimate goal is to win the Field Hockey State Championship with Pileckas as the goalie this time.

“I trained for one week with the previous keeper, but then she was no longer part of the team. So, I became the starting keeper. A week later, I started against the 5A State Champions with only two weeks under my belt. It was a huge blessing,” Pileckas said.

Pileckas started her run on the team three years ago. In order to earn her spot, Pileckas worked and trained with her club team and conditioned with the school’s team year-round to obtain and retain her spot as goal keeper.

“I went against girls with years of experience under their belts while I only had months of experience under mine. I played against them in tournaments, training, and practice all year to make up for lost time. So, I never got to see my friends much,” Pileckas said.

This season, the team has a record of 8-2 so far. Varsity Coach Julie Swain and Junior Varsity Coach Claye Rhea condition the team starting in March in preparation for the summer, during which the team begins training and conditioning almost every morning.

According to Pileckas, her teammates and coaches encouraged her by setting high standards for her and preparing her for college. Pileckas also says the experience taught her to never give up.