Q and A with the Head Coach of the Field Hockey Team, Brooke Alexander

Q1: Why do you coach FCHS field hockey?

A1: I coach high school field hockey because it was my favorite sport in
high school. I loved my teammates and my coaches. I wish to provide a similarly rewarding experience for young girls at FCHS.

Q2: Why should students consider playing field hockey for FCHS?

A2: Field hockey is a new sport for almost every ninth grader because
there are no club teams for youth in this area. I think that makes field hockey an exciting program in which to be involved. We have a wonderful
team spirit and I believe that our spirit contributes to the overall
pride we have for FCHS as a whole. Any student who would like to feel more enthusiastic about FCHS should come play field hockey.

Q3: What if a student has never played field hockey before? Is there a place for that student-athlete?

A3: As I mentioned before, field hockey is new for almost every ninth
grader. Therefore, we expect students to come to tryouts with little or no hockey experience. That is not a problem at all! We are excited to teach our players a new sport!

Q4: What will playing field hockey teach a student-athlete?

A4: I think field hockey, because it is a team sport, teaches a student athlete how to work with a group, and how to support each other in accomplishing team goals. Individually, I believe field hockey improves the athlete's self-confidence and esteem, because of the positive, but competitive environment we work hard to provide in our program. On another note, although field hockey is a men's sport in many countries, in the U.S., it is played mostly by women. Because of this, and the fact that there isn't a men's team at FCHS, I feel strongly that being a member of the field hockey team encourages a particularly strong sense of pride. The girls are always a very tight-knit group.

Q5: If a parent or athlete wants to talk to you about any matter related to field hockey, how should they contact you?

A5: I see the athletes every day, so they may speak to me at anytime or visit my classroom after school. Parents should feel free to contact me about any issue that arises. I know parents need to be informed and may have concerns. I want to respond promptly to those concerns. Parents may email me at [email protected]. They may also call the athletic office at 703-207-4023 or 4025.

Q6: What are the goals for the varsity this season?

A6: We are working to develop an FCHS "style" this season on Varsity and JV. This includes adopting better ball control skills overall as well as a team "philosophy" on what it will take for us to feel successful as winners. Basically, we would like to return to some basic fundamentals of skill and discipline that we hope will bring desired results.

Q7: What is the commitment that every player must make to be a member of the FCHS field hockey team?

A7: Practices are Monday - Friday from 4-6 p.m. for Varsity and 4:30-6:30 p.m. for the JV team. Once the season gets underway, there are
typically 1-2 games each week at 6:15 for the JV and 7:30 p.m. for Varsity. Of course, aside from the time commitment, we also expect a commitment to academics and for the girls to be positive role models at school and in the Falls Church community.

Q8: What are your expectations of the returning varsity players?

A8: After losing a strong group of seniors last year, I think the returning players are sad they are gone, but also excited to rebuild and make this team their own. This year's team has wonderful spirit and tremendous dedication. I expect our seniors and captains to step up and lead this team to a successful season. Our seniors are Soo Kim, Dana Cook, Lauren Crumpecker and Colleen Schwind. Our team captains for this season are Lauren Crumpecker, Kristin Washco and Minnie Wodatch.