The Clark field hockey team spent a week in Costa Rica this summer. They are pictured with Josef Richardson, M.A. ’79 (back row, fourth from right).
There’s no place like home for field hockey team to start the season
The Clark field hockey team’s visit to Costa Rica this summer involved the typical activities of a trip abroad: swimming and snorkeling; a ziplining adventure; lessons on cooking local delicacies; hiking in a national park; and plenty of shared meals and laughter.
But other aspects were less typical, like bringing much-needed supplies to Cerros Elementary School and teaching the students the fundamentals of field hockey. Or cleaning up the sands at Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala Wildlife Refuge — an activity the players describe as a “give-back.”
Finally, there were the games. Clark emerged with a split record, defeating the Costa Rica national team 3–0 and losing 2–1 to El Salvador. The games were played in a Hockey 5s format, a modified version of the sport that involves a smaller field ringed by boards, with each team deploying four players and a goalie. The pace is fast and relentless over the course of two 15-minute halves.
“It was such a fun challenge and definitely tested our skills in a different way,” says team captain Alison Kopec. “We even had some alumni join us, which made it really special.
“Costa Rica also welcomed us warmly, even gifting us bracelets. Overall, I was really happy with how our team played, but more importantly, I valued the cultural exchange and camaraderie that came with it.”
According to third-year coach Laura-Ann Lane, the trip — which took place June 25 to July 1 and was 18 months in the planning — paid clear dividends for building team unity. “We really bonded in Costa Rica,” she said.
The excursion abroad was a nice tune-up for the fall. Lane points to last year’s victories against talented rivals Salve Regina and Wellesley as both highlights of 2024 and harbingers of good things for 2025. The new season kicks off this Saturday at 2 p.m. with a home game against Worcester State.
“The pieces are coming together,” Lane said of her team during a recent interview. “We’re learning to be a strong passing team instead of relying on one or two people; moving down the field as all 10 players.”
Lane said she’s proud of her players’ accomplishments on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. The team’s efforts on behalf of the children at Cerros Elementary were especially indicative of their sense of purpose, she noted.
“It means we’re getting the right type of student and the right type of person to wear Clark on their uniform,” Lane said. “When people see us on campus, we want them to know about us and what we stand for.”
Kopec agrees that the work at the school was a highlight for the players. The team taught field hockey skills to a fourth-grade class, enjoyed games of soccer and handball, and shared some American candy (Starburst and Skittles were particular favorites).
Now, it’s on to the fall season.
“I’m really excited to see all that we can accomplish on the field,” Kopec says. “We’ve been putting a big emphasis on elevating our pace of play, and I think that’s going to make a real difference.
“As a senior, I’m especially looking forward to leading the team through another competitive season and pushing for more NEWMAC wins. And we’ve been laying the groundwork to make that happen.”
