Senior Girls Field Hockey
Reflections on the 2017 season
Even though the Senior Girls’ hockey team did not, ultimately, qualify for the Provincial AAA Championships, Head Coach Shiaz Virjee is clear that he characterizes the season as a success.
“Our season is short and so rapid improvement was required by everyone,” Mr. Virjee explains. “The girls rose to the challenge and impressed us each week with their strong work ethic and dogged determination to succeed. They had a ‘never give up’ attitude that served them well throughout the season.”
This rapid development in skills and confidence was most evident during the Friendship Cup tournament. The team started out struggling to put a few passes together but had developed significantly enough by the end of the weekend that they were strong contenders in their final game against one of the province’s top teams.
This ability to learn from mistakes, build on foundational skills and come back stronger had also helped the team recover from a defeat at the earlier ISA Championships and go on to win against ISA champion Crofton House School in two consecutive games.
Mr. Virjee identifies a number of compelling factors contributing to this season’s field hockey success. The girls were united in their commitment to teamwork, representing Shawnigan with pride, respect for officials and competitors, and portraying positive leadership. In addition, the team engaged in open discussion about ways to improve and made enjoying playing and training a priority.
“The results were coming towards the end of season and, with our success this year, I am confident that we have laid a solid foundation for the next season,” shares Mr. Virjee. “I am hopeful that indoor hockey during term two and term three play in the Cowichan League will build towards a strong season starting September 2018.”
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
