'Sader Stories: Field Hockey Senior Reflections

The Holy Cross field hockey team is set to play its Senior Day game when it faces American on Sunday, October 24, at 12 p.m. Heading into that contest, we checked in with the senior members of this year's squad to find out a little more about their time on Mount St. James. Here is what seniors Madison Clark, Marissa MacLean, Charlotte Powers, Meredith Schepens, Maguire Sturgis, and Saskia Williams had to say.

What are your best memories of playing field hockey at Holy Cross?
Marissa: BIG wins and exploring new places on away trips!!
Madison: The little moments in the locker room, or on away trips where we all just hang out as a team and have fun without worrying about academics or anything else!
Maguire: Some of my best memories of playing field hockey at Holy Cross have been our wins over Bucknell and Providence this year.
Saskia: The everyday laughs in the locker room, from dance battles to cracking jokes.

What life lessons have you learned during your time on the team?
Meredith: One of the biggest life lessons I have learned during my time on the team is the importance of resilience and embracing challenges. Not everything is always going to go your way, but how you respond to those moments is what matters most. I have learned how to hold myself accountable, trust the people around me, and continue to show up and give my best even when things get difficult. Most importantly, I have learned that success isn't always measured by wins and losses, but by the growth, relationships, and memories made along the way.

What is the best thing about playing field hockey at Holy Cross?
Marissa: Being surrounded by such hardworking, driven, and funny teammates. They motivate me every day and are my best friends!
Charlotte: The best thing about playing field hockey at Holy Cross is the relationships and friendships I’ve built with my teammates. Being part of a Division I program has taught me so much about hard work, resilience, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. Some of my favorite memories come from the little moments that make our team so special, like dancing in the locker room, Tiny Mic Tuesdays, bus rides, and laughing together. Those are the moments that have made this experience unforgettable and turned my teammates into a second family. I’m so grateful to have spent my college years surrounded by people who push me to be better on and off the field and make even the hardest days fun. Field hockey has given me so much more than a sport to play. It has given me lifelong friendships, countless memories, and a community that has made my Holy Cross experience truly special.
Meredith: The best thing about playing field hockey at Holy Cross has been the relationships I have built and the life skills I have gained along the way. Being part of this team has given me lifelong friendships and memories that I will always cherish. Beyond field hockey, I have learned the importance of hard work, resilience, accountability, and being part of something bigger than myself. I am incredibly grateful for the people I have met and the lessons I will carry with me long after my playing career ends.
Williams: Being surrounded by people who, even on our hardest days, push each other to show up, work hard and get better.

What will you miss the most after your career is over?
Madison: I will miss all of my amazing teammates, seeing each other everyday, all of the laughs, hugs, and memories! It’s so special to spend so much time with your best friends and I will absolutely miss them all, but will cherish the time I had with everyone and the impact they have all had on me.
Marissa: Post-game tailgates and playing games with my teammates on the bus rides home.
Charlotte: I’ll miss having a group of people around me who understand the commitment, sacrifice, and hard work that come with being a student-athlete. There’s something special about being surrounded by teammates who understand the grind, push you to be better, and support you through both the highs and lows. I’ll miss working toward a common goal, showing up for each other every day, and knowing that the people beside me understand what it takes because they’re going through it with me. From the toughest practices to the most exciting game days, having that shared experience and sense of purpose is something I know will be hard to replace. More than anything, I’ll miss the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself and the friendships built through all the hard work, challenges, and memories along the way.
Meredith: What I will miss most is having a place where I can show up every day, forget about everything else going on, and just play the sport I love with my best friends. I will miss the laughs during practice, the excitement after a big win, and all the moments that brought us closer as a team. Field hockey has been such a constant in my life, and I know I will miss not only the sport itself, but also the people who made it so special.
Maguire: The support we give each other, both on and off the field, is something really special. I’ll miss having a group of people who push each other to be better, share the same competitive drive, and work toward one common goal. There’s nothing quite like being part of a team that believes in each other and wants to see everyone succeed, and I’m so grateful for the relationships and memories I’ve built along the way.
Williams: Getting to play the sport I love with my best friends.

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