Latin’s varsity field hockey team gathered at the Lincoln Park turf on Monday for their annual Play Without Limits game against Lake Forest High School (LFHS) in honor of beloved physical therapist Payton Mickey. Payton, who played field hockey at LFHS, passed away in 2021. Both teams took to the field, sticks in hand and green ribbons in their hair—Payton’s favorite color—to symbolize their remembrance.

Within the first quarter, both teams put up a strong fight to keep the ball. Nearing the end of the first half, junior Raffa Koloskov scored the Romans’ first goal.

The intensity and significance of this match was especially felt by Latin’s varsity field hockey coach Mackenzie Mick. Coach Mick and LFHS’ field hockey coach Michele Tucker each selected one player from the opposing team who demonstrated Payton’s playing style and sportsmanship, honoring Payton Mickey’s legacy on and off the field.

Latin junior Abby Krasaeath received the award for embodying Paytons’s career throughout the entire game. She was presented with a sunflower, which was Payton’s favorite flower.

After putting up an excellent fight, the Romans lost 2-1, but the mission of the game succeeded nonetheless.

Coach Mick was a close teammate and friend to Payton when they were in high school. “To know [Payton] was to love her,” said Coach Mick. “She was so damn strong on and off the field.”