PHOTO BY CECI REYES
PHOTO BY CECI REYES
The youth program, now in its 15th year, not only develops players but also offers a $ 1,000 annual scholarship to a graduating senior who has given back as a coach.
Despite its success, the field hockey program remains a hidden gem in the community.“ Many residents in Peters Township don’ t even know what field hockey is or that it’ s offered here,” says Casciola.“ In states like New Jersey, New York and Maryland, it’ s huge— girls play field hockey in the fall and lacrosse in the spring because the skills overlap. We’ d love for more families to know it’ s an option from grades K-12.”
Opportunities extend well beyond Peters Township. With only about 15 high school teams across Western Pennsylvania, athletes get to compete in a truly unique environment. Long bus rides, camaraderie and the chance to carry on the tradition of a locally rare sport truly make the experience meaningful. Many players even continue their careers in college.
Recent seasons have brought plenty to celebrate. The varsity team captured the AA WPIAL championship in the fall of 2024, one year after finishing as the AAA runner-up in an overtime heartbreaker. Beyond the trophies, players take away life lessons that the sport offers including discipline, teamwork and resilience— qualities that last far longer than any season.
Looking ahead, the goal is simple: keep putting sticks in kids’ hands and growing the game. Youth programs are held each fall on Sundays, with teams competing in the annual Pumpkin Smash tournament, where last year’ s 5th / 6th graders brought home the championship. Indoor field hockey classes at the elementary schools and summer clinics with the high school team provide even more opportunities for kids to try it out.
As Casciola says,“ We want families to know that field hockey is here, it’ s thriving and it’ s something their daughters can be part of. The more awareness we build, the stronger the future will be.” n
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