The Latin girls varsity field hockey team made history this season by making it to the final four, but it’s not just the current players making waves. Former stars McLaine Leik ’23 and Zoe Larsen ’24 are making their marks at the collegiate level.

McLaine brings dynamic energy to her new team at Dartmouth College. However, it was a big adjustment, and she quickly learned that only two hours of practice after school was no longer her routine. “Here, we practice every day during the season, but we also have conditioning, lifting, film sessions, individual meetings, scout meetings, corner practices, and more,” McLaine said.

Despite the demanding schedule, she described it as a positive challenge and one that fostered tight bonds with teammates. “Dartmouth field hockey taught me a lot about what hard work really means and how to be disciplined,” McLaine said. “It’s also given me some of my best friends at Dartmouth, which I’ll always be so thankful for.” As the season progressed, her new teammates were pivotal in pushing her to become the player she is today.

McLaine increased the intensity of her training to match that of her teammates. “The tempo of play was completely new to me, and it was something I definitely needed to adjust to,” she said. “I’ve really had to push through some painful workouts to get the result I want.”

McLaine ran track at Latin, excelling in sprints, especially the 400-meter dash. The Dartmouth coaches quickly recognized that McLaine’s speed was one of her strengths. As a result, they transitioned the lifelong defender to an offensive forward role.

Mackenzie Mick, head field hockey coach at Latin, who trained McLaine in high school, commented on this change. “Many coaches have different teaching styles, and I think it’s important to be flexible and accepting of differing advice and critiques—such as position changes,” she said.

In one of her first games as a forward, McLaine made an immediate impact. “With about a minute left in the game, the ball broke away into their 25-yard line, so I sprinted almost the entire length of the field to chase it down,” McLaine said. “I got to it just before it went out of bounds. My teammate followed me into their circle, and we were able to get a corner and score a buzzer-beater goal.”

McLaine kept this momentum going, playing in eight games this season and contributing wins against Colgate and Sacred Heart University.

Similarly, Zoe draws inspiration from her coaches and teammates, fueling her success at Swarthmore College. “My coaches push me to reach my full potential, but they are also my number one supporters,” Zoe said. “I am so lucky to train under the talent that my coaches have and with teammates who have become my absolute best friends and favorite people.”

Zoe, a defender, played 803 minutes of field hockey across 20 games this season for Swarthmore and scored a goal from the defense line. A strong connection to the team and the school matches her determination on the field. “My first day at practice was one of the best days this year. It felt like home immediately,” Zoe said.

Zoe and her team brought their A-game this season, achieving a 7-3 conference record. “My favorite game was our win against Ursinus at home because the energy was so high, and we played so well,” Zoe said. “Another highlight was our overtime win against Johns Hopkins because we were so connected and played with so much heart.”

Beyond the trophies and improvement, McLaine and Zoe bring a deep passion for the game that resonates with their teammates.

Latin junior and field hockey captain Abby Krasaeath played alongside McLaine and Zoe for years. Together, they have all been a part of the group that brought Latin field hockey to the level it’s at today. Recently committed to Brown University, Abby, too, will continue her career at the collegiate level.

Abby feels the impact of Zoe and McLaine’s legacy. “The two of them both left a true dedication and enthusiasm for the game—it was always so clear how much passion they brought each day,” Abby said.

In the past three years, Coach Mackenzie has trained seven Latin players who went on to play collegiately. “Lucy Norris, Carly Warms, McLaine Leik, Sophie Schirmacher, Maddie Gaines, Zoe Larsen, and Abby Krasaeath are role models to their fellow athletes,” Coach Mackenzie said. “These girls have put so much extra time and love into this sport. I’m so proud they continue to give back and help coach camp and teach the younger players.”

Abby said she is proud of the Romans’ results this year, particularly in light of player turnover. “We went into the season with fairly low expectations after graduating so many amazing seniors, but as we really started connecting as a team and growing stronger individually, we gained a lot of confidence and excitement for what we could accomplish,” Abby said.

Abby’s bonds with McLaine and Zoe were valuable during her college search. “Seeing teammates like McLaine and Zoe competing at such a high level and having so much fun with it was definitely encouraging as I began my own process,” Abby said. “They were both extremely supportive and kind in answering my questions and even showing me around campus.”

The transition from high school to college sports is no small feat. Coach Mackenzie was a college field hockey player herself and provided wisdom to young athletes pursuing the sport at that level. “Oftentimes athletes go from being a superstar in high school to a competitive collegiate program where everyone is a superstar. It takes hard work to make a difference and earn your spot on the field, and confidence is a huge aspect of that.”

As Abby will be playing in the same conference as McLaine, there will be an exciting rivalry for the two in the years to come. Coach Mackenzie offers valuable advice as all seven athletes continue their collegiate journeys. “I think it’s crucial for my athletes to understand that it doesn’t matter who you are and what your accolades are on paper. It’s all about the physical time, effort, and attitude you put into your sport,” she said.

Coach Mackenzie preaches these valuable lessons for the Latin team. “Latin field hockey has changed tremendously over the years. We’ve grown substantially in numbers and collegiate athletes,” she said. “We hope to continue to inspire players and support them in any way we can to keep playing.”

Following Latin field hockey’s success this year, McLaine and Zoe were proud to see the Romans reaching new milestones. Zoe said, “Seeing Latin go to the final four was so exciting, and the talent and hard work of the team makes us so confident that the program is only going to grow from here!”