At 10 a.m., players clad in cleats and shin guards trickled onto the lower field, their parents tagging close behind. After ten minutes of players gathering equipment, varsity coach Denise Eachus assembled parents and players next to the bleachers, signaling the start of field hockey’s 14th annual Parent Play Day on Saturday, Aug. 29. They began with one leisurely lap around half the field, followed by a succession of dynamic stretches. As they settled into a circle surrounding four captains for static stretches, captain senior Mallory Strom initiated a round of parent introductions. Afterwards, a series of drills and tips from player to parent ensued.
“Hardest part of learning?” Jerome Pereira, father of JV sophomore Devin Pereira said. “In field hockey, I think it’s the stick movement, because it’s very unnatural to someone who hasn’t done it before. Also, there’s so many rules. There’s too many rules in field hockey.”
While most of the parents were practicing their stick skills, Pereira, decked out in a helmet and guards for his arms, legs, and chest, had been learning how to block shots and to be comfortable getting hit.
Meanwhile, as many parents experienced their first ever Parent Play Day that day, there were a few seasoned veterans. Brian Strom, Mallory’s father, has attended Play Day for six years.
“I remember last year we had some [penalty hits]; that was pretty exciting. I remember that ‘cause I kind of quit,” Brian said, chuckling. “It helps parents understand how hard it is to play the game.”
The time came for the parents and players to participate in a real-life field hockey game: Team Flower Power going head to head against Team USA. After rounds of adept passes, dribbles, clears and almost-scores from many parents, a whistle resonated from Eachus to mark half-time. Parents and players from each team huddled up to discuss strategy, which was not as serious as it sounds. Each team bellowed their chants and then split up, some entering the game once more and others retiring to the benches. The game continued similarly with outstanding shots and fervent fights for the ball until it came to a close.
The day ended with a round of post-game high fives leading up to the award ceremony, which recognized parents for their contributions to the team and outstanding efforts during the scrimmage. Awards ranged from “Speedy Gonzales” for Cynthia Sakellar, to “Outstanding Defense” for Arnold de Leon and Jerome Pereira, to the overall “MVP, Most Valued Parent)” for Matt Braunathal.
While parents found Play Day to be challenging and telling of just how hard the sport is, players focused more on the dynamic aspect.
“It’s a lot of bonding,” JV sophomore Emily Twu said. “On play day, you get to teach how to play, so it’s all very interactive.”
Overall, no matter how hard the sport is to learn, or to teach, Play Day is always a day filled with abiding memories and a sense of unity among parents and players. To sum it up: “Just running around, everybody’s screaming,” Strom said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
