OWU Field Hockey Sets Sights on Another Successful Season

Championship teams are built brick by brick, with the proper mentality to fight through the toughest times as one. At Ohio Wesleyan University, the field hockey team has been known to reign superior over the past few seasons. Bringing back multiple North Coast Athletic Conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances, this team has proven to be different from the rest, not only in conference, but at Ohio Wesleyan.

The Battling Bishops’ field hockey team, led by Head Coach Brenda Semit, are predicted to finish first in conference again this fall after taking home the regular season and tournament trophies last fall. The pressure that comes with winning back-to-back years is one that can make or break athletes. However, the Ohio Wesleyan field hockey team is ready to fight through those pressures. 

When talking to two of the field hockey captains, they both shared similar insights into the culture of the program. Senior captain Alyssa Markell and junior captain Catherine Kent dove into what makes this team special. 

“I think the love we have for each other and the bonds we form definitely sets us apart from other teams,” said Markell. “We are there to support each other on and off the field,” added Kent. 

The two captains continued to touch on the idea that mentality and attitude truly have an impact on teams’ success. 

“Field hockey is a team sport, not an individual sport.” She continued to explain how team culture makes all the difference and translates onto the field in games. With no team chemistry, comes no wins,” said Kent. 

Marvin Sanders, a sports-focused writer for the Medium focuses on the mental aspect of a winning team in his article. Titled, “The Psychology of Winning: How Champion Athletes Harness the Power of the Mind,” Sanders drives home the ideas that Markell and Kent touched upon. 

“Goal setting, visualization, resilience, focus, confidence, and a growth mindset are potent tools that champions wield. Discipline, resilience, and a positive attitude shape their athletic careers and lives beyond sports.”

Mentality and mental strength truly play an important role in performance. The toughest moments on the field are won by those who can compose themselves. 

This fall will be Coach Semit’s eleventh year as head coach, and her season records have continued to get better. Her yearly season records show the growth that the field hockey team has overcome over the past decade. Markell included that the competitive spirit of the program has continued to grow, even just in her time at Ohio Wesleyan. This energy and spirit is brought to the team by each player individually. With every new freshman class, comes more room for growth as a program. 

All of the traits and mental aspects of sports can be translated into everyday life for these athletes. Champions are able to win on and off the field once they are able to have the proper relationships with their teammates and become focused on the challenge at hand. 

Even some fans have noted the selflessness and caring acts of the team. Frequent supporter Grace Gagne noted that the players are always supportive of one another, whether on the field or on the sidelines. Gagne is already anticipating the wins to come this season, as she knows what this current team is capable of. 

What defines a championship team is the work ethic, mentality, and connections built with one another on and off the field.