Veteran leadership is key to DV's field hockey success

By Josh Lashley
MILFORD — In the middle of an election season, it's hard to get people to agree on just about anything, it seems.
The same could be said in the world of athletics, where coaches and athletes often disagree on the direction and leadership of a team.
This is not a problem for the Delaware Valley High School field hockey program. The coaching staff and the student-athletes on the roster all agree that seniors Maecy Chlebowski and Leah Yost are best equipped to be the team captains this season.
“We vote on captains as a team and it was almost a unanimous decision,” said Delaware Valley head coach Lindsay Gonzalez. “The players wanted these two girls as their captains, and the coaches agreed that they would be our best picks. These student-athletes are role models on and off the field. They are amazing field hockey players and awesome students too.”
Gonzalez enjoys seeing how seriously both Chlebowski and Yost take their roles. Both are willing to help lead the team in many ways. And both dedicate themselves to their studies in the same way, Gonzalez said.
“On the field, both captains give constructive criticism and also communicate needs,” she said. “They are willing to help the younger players learn new skills as well.”
The head coach is also impressed that each captain is always looking to improve herself on the pitch.
“Maecy has improved upon playing center midfield,” Gonzalez said. “She is able to distribute the ball with ease and eliminate players in the midfield. Leah has improved upon communication on the field and always gives us a solid defensive game.
“Kara Gearhart has been a leader and a power house offensive player. Emily Covert has been a solid defender for us tallying many defensive saves.”
Gonzales said the Warriors are continuing their impressive growth.
“Our team was very young last season,” she said. “We are hoping to capitalize on some experience this season despite still carrying many underclassmen. We have a great shot at winning a title this year with the realignment. We hope to continue to improve each game so we are a better team than when we entered this season."