(Photo taken from Skidmore Athletics’ website)
An overtime win against Ithaca on Oct. 18 put the Skidmore field hockey team at number one in the Liberty League, setting up their ability to earn the regular season title on Oct. 25. The Thoroughbreds are 11-7 overall and are first seed going into playoffs. To get an insight on what these accomplishments mean to a player on the team, Mariah Redler ‘22, shares her experience with playing field hockey and reflects on the current season.
Starting field hockey as a freshman in high school, Redler knew she wanted to play at the collegiate level. She joined her high school team half-way through the season as they needed more players, and after quitting soccer, Redler had time to pick up another sport.
Making varsity her sophomore year, field hockey became a big part of the talented forward’s life. Now a sophomore on the Skidmore field hockey team, Redler has made her stake as a key offensive player on the team.
In her first season on the team (2018-19), Redler played in all 19 games, starting in 12. She finished second on the team with six goals and two assists, and earned Liberty League Rookie of the Week and All-Liberty League Honorable Mention. This season, Redler earned Liberty League Honor Roll and Offensive Player of the Week.
Before a game, Redler describes that she usually feels excited and ready to work hard: “I love the anticipation of going into a game because you can’t get that feeling from anything else,” she says. As for pre- game rituals, “I honestly don’t have one set in stone. I usually do best when I don’t overthink things and sometimes rituals make me feel like I am.”
And although the last couple of games were tough for the team, Redler tries to keep the excitement high. She adds that the last set of games, despite being challenging, were rewarding — most notably the game against Ithaca.
“Just going into overtime and winning such a big game is so exciting. The entire game was such a team effort and there’s no better feeling than getting an OT win out of a good game like that.”
Redler scored the goal that led the game into overtime, allowing the thoroughbreds to ultimately win the game.
When asked what it felt like to earn the Liberty League regular season title, Redler said “[waiting for quote]”.
Not only does Redler do well on the field, the business major shares that playing field hockey helps her do well in the classroom and helps her maintain a consistent schedule.
“I’ve always done well with some sort of structure and sports have always provided that for me,” she explains. “It’s all about time management. If you learn to manage your time well you can efficiently balance school and sports. It is definitely easier said than done but gets easier once you’re in the swing of things.”
And while the end of the season proves challenging, Redler is ready to play her best and is thankful for her team and the sport.
“Field hockey is so much more than just a sport to me. It represents everything I’ve put into sports since I was five years old,” she says. “Whether it was ice hockey, soccer, field hockey, or lacrosse, I have made so many memories in sports. Playing field hockey is a continuation of everything I’ve grown up doing.”