Stick It: Field Hockey First XI ISAs

13 October 2025Lila C, Hope ‘26

Grit and Joy are extensive in Brentwood’s Field Hockey programme. These athletes work tirelessly on and off the pitch, dedicated to being the best they can be while doing what they love.

Field Hockey Co-Captains Kate M, Alex ‘26 and Carla J, Mack ‘26 recently helped lead their team to Vancouver to play in this year’s ISAs. Kate told us, “I’ve played on the team for four years, and some of my greatest joys are how we, as a team, resist the pressure and work together. This is the real joy.” Field hockey is a game of self-confidence and focus, and most of all, being a team. Carla added, “I love this sport. I love this team. Brentwood Field Hockey is special.”

Travelling is no stranger to these girls; during the season, they go to Duncan, Port Alberni, and other places across BC. In Vancouver, the girls fought hard against some of the province’s best teams. A loss and a tie were the result of the first day. Sterling R, Mack ‘27 said, “We played really well and fought back; that’s the real win.” ISAs were a true test for these players, demonstrating how to balance grit and joy on and off the pitch. While joy can come from winning, for this team, it also comes from testing their limits and proving what stellar players they are. On the second day, the girls tied and had a loss to teams from larger schools.

Next up, the girls have to face the North Islands, Islands, and then, fingers crossed, Provincials.

The intense training the girls go through turns them into better players. Goalkeeper Carys G, Hope ‘27 stated, “I hate doing extra laps, but eventually it’s all worth it.” Field hockey players need superb stick-handling, passing-receiving, shooting and defending skills, and their coaches do not rest until this First XI is proficient in all of these. As Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” More often than not, these girls go to practice day in and day out and come back stronger, more resilient, and with lasting memories.

When the season comes to a close, the 2025-2026 team will remember not the wins or the losses, but the laughter and friendships made. Nimret S, Mack ‘26 said, “I’ll miss it. I’m glad I’ve played for this team.”

A big thank you to Coaches Rachel Reynolds & Alex Miller, the rest of the field hockey programme here at Brentwood, and to transportation for taking the girls across the province.

Good luck, girls, at North Islands and onward!

Lila C, Hope ‘26

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