A new chapter is already unfolding for the varsity field hockey team. With English teacher Mrs. Carla Harward retiring as head coach, Mrs. Kellie Fialcowitz is all set to take over for her. Already having lots of experience being a coach, Fialcowitz is poised to lead the girls this upcoming season. “Everyone has something to contribute, [and] it is up to me to find what that is and pull it out of them. If we can figure out how all the pieces will fit together, it will be a beautiful thing!” The Hawks are excited to welcome Fialcowitz into The Nest, and as Harward said, “There is no doubt in [my] mind she is going to be great.”
There is just one season until field hockey starts back up again, and there is lots to be done in preparation. Summer Sevens is a league run on Monday nights, where teams play two 25-minute games on a smaller field. Instead of the usual 11 players a side, there are seven players. “This year we have close to 400 athletes participating, which is very exciting for the sport! It is a great way for teams to play together in a fun, low stress environment,” says Fialcowitz.
This league offers a great way to prepare for the regular field hockey season, which starts on August 14. Players are expected to be in shape and have their stick skills sharp, since there isn’t enough time during pre-season to “work out the cobwebs.” The team will be doing a lot of drills and small sided games that allow players to show their ability and where they will best fit into the lineup. “From there, we will continue to sharpen skills, work on plays and grow into the best team we can be.”
As North Harford’s newest field hockey coach, there are understandably some things to be nervous about. “Most of my nervousness lies in coaching at a new school and not being in the building.” While it is surely a big transition to undertake, Fialcowitz shares her appreciation for Harward and AD and gym teacher Mr. Justin Martinek in helping her navigate it. “The adjustment to this new coaching staff must be as seamless as possible. Change is never easy, so there will definitely be some growing pains.”
While many apprehensions are still in play, there is so much to be excited about. “I am a little nervous, but extremely excited about coaching my daughter [junior Mollie Fialcowitz] in her senior year. She has more than proven herself as a player and a leader.” Not only has Fialcowitz had the chance to watch her daughter grow and improve on the field, but she has also seen other girls in that age group as well. “I can’t wait to get onto the other side of the field and see what we can accomplish together.”
Coming from a sports-oriented family, engaging in athletics was always an option, but for Fialcowitz, there was some trial and error before landing on field hockey as ‘her sport.’ “I remember my parents forcing me to play soccer and I picked daisies the whole time, so clearly, they needed to find something else for me.” It wasn’t until she tried out field hockey that she found the most success. Fialcowitz talks about how much the game has changed since her high school days, but her adoration for it stayed the same. “As much fun as I had playing, coaching is where I find my love of the game. I love leading and motivating.”
“My favorite memories are by far from coaching. It has brought me so much joy over the years.” Fialcowitz shares how much she loves the challenge of developing a team of young ladies into fierce competitors. “I love learning and growing with [the athletes]. As they say, it is about the journey and not the destination!”