Lenape Field Hockey had a strenuous 2025 season going 2-15. While Lenape did not have the season hoped for, the players stayed resilient and continued to be strong-willed right until the very end. Field hockey is a very demanding sport that requires stamina and discipline. It is not always about the wins, but about how one can grow their game, and stay persistent despite the record.
Lenape Field Hockey did just that. Last year, Lenape lost games 8-0, against schools such as Eastern and Washington Township. While they did not win these games this year, the differences in scores were far lower. Lenape lost to Eastern 5-0, and Washington Township 2-1. Lenape as a whole has grown their game and have continued to progress throughout the season.
One of the difficulties that Lenape had this year was the rigorous teams that they faced. For example, Lenape had to face Cherokee towards the end of the season. Cherokee went 15-6-1, and even made it to the South Jersey Group 4 Tournament, which proves that they are a tough school to compete against, not just for Lenape, but other schools as well. Other schools such as Eastern, Bishop Eustace, and Seneca have multiple D1 commits on their team, which made the competition even harder.
Injuries played a big role this season. Towards the end of the season, two players unfortunately got concussed and had to be out for the rest of the season.
Strengths that Lenape had this year included their strong players, who are committed to play field hockey in college. Senior goalie Maddie Guerry, who is committed to Washington College, was able to come back after her injury last season. Lenape also has another star player, senior Scarlett Beeler, who is committed to play at Widener University.
The best games this season for the team were definitely the wins. Lenape played and beat PVI on senior night with a 3-2 win. It was a very evenly matched game, but Lenape was able to come out on top. Another win was against Cherry Hill East, with a score of 2-1. It was anyone’s game, but Lenape proved that it was theirs in the end.
Some key players that received all-conference honors out this season were senior captain Maggie Neilson, and juniors Leanna Roura and Ava Farbanic. Neilson had one goal this season, along with a total of nine defensive saves. She ended her high school career with four goals, four assists, and fourteen defensive saves. Ultimately, Neilson was nominated and made the First Team All Conference.
Farbanic scored her first career goal this season, and her first assist. She was nominated and made the Second Team All Conference.
Lastly, Roura also was nominated for and made the Second Team All Conference. She scored two goals this season, allowing her to have a total of six career goals. She also made her first career assist this season.
Like I mentioned before, this sport is not just about the wins. It is about growing one’s game, pushing through adversity, and most importantly, building bonds with your fellow teammates. Being on a team not only teaches you valuable life lessons, but long lasting memories and friendships.
Q&A
How has Lenape field hockey impacted your life?
I interviewed two varsity players: senior goalie Maddie Guerry and freshman Aubrey Thomas, to see how Lenape field hockey has impacted them.
How would you describe your field hockey season(s) here at Lenape?
Maddie: My field hockey seasons here at Lenape are nothing short of amazing and something I am never going to forget! I not only made amazing friends but a family. They might not have always gone our way but we played every game with heart and I enjoyed every practice and game over the past four years.
Aubrey: I would describe my season as a year of adjustment and growth. Everything was faster, more competitive, and pushed me in a good way. I got better, I learned a lot, I made a lot of friends, and I started to feel more confident as the season went on.
What is something you have learned and will take away from playing at Lenape?
Maddie: Something I have learned is that you cannot control everything that comes your way, but you can control how you react and come back from it.
Aubrey: I learned that the little things matter like the extra reps, staying focused, and not giving up on myself even on the rough days. Playing here taught me how to handle pressure, hard work, and staying coachable. I’ll take away that improvement comes from being consistent and trusting the process, even when it feels slow.
Did you think or do you think playing here was/is worth it?
Maddie: Playing under the Lenape Field Hockey Program is one of the best decisions I have ever made and I am going to miss it so much! If I could go back I would in a heartbeat and I wouldn’t change a thing!
Aubrey: Yeah, it was definitely worth it. This season pushed me in many ways. I grew as a player and as a person. It made me excited for what’s ahead and the player I’m becoming.