Flying With Falcons: My Athletic Journey at Peddie

Fun fact: Peddie requires freshmen to play a fall sport, and upperclassmen are required to play two sports a year. You might think this sounds like a lot of work, but trust me, you’ll be happy you did it.

I joined the varsity field hockey team my freshman year. It was super intimidating at first, but after the first few practices, I started to feel more at home. Even if you aren’t super serious about the sport you’re playing, it will most definitely help you navigate your first few weeks at Peddie. Meeting everyone on the team and getting to know some upperclassmen made making friends and finding my way around campus a lot easier.

I’ve been a member of the varsity field hockey and girls lacrosse teams from my freshman year to my senior year, and in that time, I’ve learned a lot.

First, I’ve learned that your team doesn’t have to be the best at playing a sport for it to be fun, or for people to come watch your games. You will always have fans.

Second, it’s a great way to make a close group of friends and meet new people, especially as incoming freshmen. As a senior, I’ve become close friends with many people on both of my teams, and that truly does nothing but improve your teamwork on the field.

Third, it gives you something to do that’s not school. Having the practice time after school to focus on something other than homework has helped me tremendously. Your brain needs a break from thinking too much, and playing a sport is the best way to do it.

Fourth, Peddie-Blair Day. It’s as simple as that. No one takes Peddie-Blair Day as a joke, and every team has the opportunity to contribute to a Peddie victory. Every year, we go out, try our best and cheer on everyone as loud as we can.

My athletic journey throughout my four years here has been unique, with multiple coaching changes, playing with people of all levels and competing against a range of teams. It’s fun, exhausting, and in the end, worth it.