APRIL TUCKER MEETS HER GOALS

AS SMS FIELD HOCKEY COACH

The popularity of field hockey at SMS has both seen both exponential growth and
decline since the sport's inception under the direction of Carol McKenney
(Wellness/PE). Now, in an upswing, the sport is led by April Tucker who is in her fifth
year as head coach. She is also in her tenth year as a para-professional. She is
assisted by Sarah Campbell, a sixth grade teacher at SMS.
One of the highlights of the field hockey program at SMS was the undefeated
season coached by Ann Parsons, who also is a sixth grade teacher. Ann's love of the
sport still brings her to occasional practices in order help coach the team.
For those not familiar with the sport, a field hockey team consists of ten field
players and one goalie; four forwards; three mid fielders; two fullbacks and one
sweeper.
April began her field hockey career in seventh grade and continued through high
school in Johnsburg, N.Y. (Adirondacks). However, while attending Union College,
N.Y., she was a member of the crew team competing against national powerhouses
like Harvard and other Ivy League schools.
She cited two positive factors that reveal the recent growth of the sport at SMS:
(1) nineteen players are on this year's roster compared to previous years when
there were barely enough players to field a team and;
(2) the skill level of the players has improved significantly as evidenced by the
team's competitive performance against schools with much larger enrollments.
The improved performance can be traced to the dedication of the coaching staff and
the players who practice four days a week. Also, some players attended a summer
field hockey clinic conducted by Seacoast United and participate off-season in their
winter club.
"No doubt the talent, knowledge, and love of the game have come a long way," said
April." At first, I had to show many of the players how to hold a stick and now we are
both holding our own and winning against these larger schools."
In addition to teaching the basics of the game, Coach Tucker and Coach Campbell
have stressed discipline, team work, good sportsmanship, and most importantly
academics. Last year, all but one player was on the honor roll and some were even
on high honors.
Their hard work continues off the field. The team is currently conducting a fund
raiser for sweat shirts, new uniforms and equipment.
Contributing to the continued success of the field hockey program at SMS are the
following students: Aliya Boisvert,Maddie Cannon,Bella Chan, Rachael Champagne,
Leah Colbath, Danielle Moya, Chenille Eccleston, Lauren Fernald,Kaylee Fearis, Lilly
Hall, Sharon Hutapea, Olivia Koch,Kylie Khongsouvankhom, Harper Meehan, Addie
McAlpin, Sadie McMullen, Novia Siagian, Kayla Smith, Angelina Tangkau.