The Norwalk High School field hockey team is off to a promising start this year, despite being a relatively young group. While many of the players are still gaining experience at the varsity level, their energy, effort, and willingness to learn have set a strong foundation for success. According to senior leader Caitlin Dudek, one of the team’s greatest strengths is their consistent commitment. “Everyone shows up to practice and puts in their effort, which shows in games,” Dudek explained. That kind of dedication has been a driving force behind the team’s steady improvement from game to game.
Even though the team is young, they are already making noticeable progress. Each time they step onto the field, they appear sharper, more confident, and better prepared than the game before. Their growth is evident not only in the scoreboard results but also in their ability to play together as a unit. Dudek also emphasized how coachable the group is, saying, “Everyone picks up on coaching really well, so it’s easy to work as a team and grow.” That mindset has allowed the players to adapt quickly, learn from mistakes, and immediately put lessons from practice into play during competition.
Still, the team knows there is room to improve. One of the main areas of focus moving forward is executing in the scoring zone. The players have shown they can control possession and create opportunities, but finishing those chances will be the difference between competing and consistently winning. If they can sharpen that part of their game, Norwalk has the potential to be a real contender this season.
From the energy they bring to practice, to their ability to take coaching and apply it, this Norwalk field hockey team has shown that they are not only young but also determined and resilient. With each game, they are proving themselves to be stronger and more connected, and their progress suggests that bigger victories are well within reach. If they continue to build on their foundation and capitalize in the scoring circle, they could very well surprise the competition and make a serious run at winning it all.
