With the MVL “B” Division field hockey All-Star teams being released, it was evident that the state respected what the Windsor girls were able to do in 2018, as four girls were honored, along with head coach Jody Wood.
“I am truly honored to be chosen, especially from my peers,” said coach Wood when asked what being named Coach of the Year in the MVL “B” Division meant to her. “I am truly blessed and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but Windsor. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my girls. They are all my ‘kids’ and I would do anything for them.”
When Wood says she would do anything for her athletes, she may mean just that. During the season, she has one-on-one sit-downs with her players to make sure that they are doing well academically, socially, and of course, she gives them something to work at during the season to improve on the field. “It creates a sense of security and trust between us,” said Wood.
Following their 11-3 season where they earned the title of MVL “B” Division champs, the Yellow Jackets earned a No. 1 seed in the Vermont D-III state tournament. After being knocked out in the semifinals, Windsor still has the chance to pick up where they left off when next season rolls around, as they return all of their players.
As for this year, Windsor had three players (Hannah Wood, Angelina Bigwood, Alyssa Slocum) selected to the “B” Division First Team and one player (Kaeli Bennett) make the Second Team.
“The three girls chosen for the First Team are powerhouses and any team would be lucky to have them,” said coach Wood. “They work hard, have great leadership skills and have the hunger that you just can’t coach.”
Angelina Bigwood broke the single-season scoring record for Windsor in 2018, ending up with 23 goals for her record-breaking junior year. “She has come a long way,” said coach Wood. “She has a nose for the ball in front of the net and has a power drive.”
Hannah Wood ended her sophomore season with 17 assists and 13 goals and served as a captain for the Yellow Jackets. “She has amazing work ethic,” said coach Wood. “When she carries the ball, she makes it look effortless.”
Alyssa Slocum contributed 9 assists and 4 goals for Windsor in her sophomore season (2 goals from strokes). “She is a strong midfielder who is focused and determined when she steps on the field,” said coach Wood.
Kaeli Bennett (sophomore) made a Second Team selection due to her defensive play at center half. “Kaeli is quiet yet strong on the field. She is passionate and a joy to have on the team,” said coach Wood.
All four of the Windsor girls selected as MVL All-Stars are dedicated to the game of field hockey, as each play in the off-season with Element Athletics, based out of Greenfield, MA.
There were also three players selected from Springfield, in Paige Congdon, Natalie Dorcely, and Kaeli Peoples. The Cosmos were able to have three players honored despite finishing 2-11 on the season. They lost in the Division 2 first round as a nine-seed, losing to eight-seeded Middlebury.
MVL “B” Division All-Stars
Coach: Jody Wood (Windsor).
First Team: Jordyn Howard (Fair Haven); Sophie Markowski (Otter Valley); Alia Edmunds (Otter Valley); Gabriella LaGrange (Otter Valley); Paige Congdon (Springfield); Natalia Dorcely (Springfield); Hannah Wood (Windsor); Angelina Bigwood (Windsor); Alyssa Slocum (Windsor); Khara Brettell (Woodstock); Mackenzie Yates (Woodstock); Lili Sorrentino (Woodstock).
Second Team: Elinor Ross (Otter Valley); Kaeli Bennett (Windsor); Kelly Gebhardt (Woodstock); Kaelie Peoples (Springfield).
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