On August 15, 2011, nearly fifty girls stood on Forbes Field, ready to try out for the upcoming field hockey season. Now, thirty five girls compile the “dream team.” Under the “Hard work, works” mantra of head coach, Anne Marini, the team is definitely working hard to make this a great season. With the help of Assistant Coach Emily Grugan, who graduated from Padua where she played field hockey for all four years, the varsity girls have been growing together as a team. The girls are led by three senior captains: Kelly Ryan, Marisa Marini, and Julie Dunphy.  All are third year Varsity players who can rally, inspire, and motivate their team.  The Varsity this year includes ten seniors in all, making for a strong and closely knit team who are as much a family as they are an exceptional field hockey team. Maryann Rapposelli coaches JV, assisted by the leadership of the JV captains, juniors Emily Brindle and Megan Julian. The JV team is a mix of experienced players and many new freshmen who have all come together to form a dominating Junior Varsity, leading them to several big wins so far this season. More wins are sure to come with sophomore Maeve Claire and freshmen Pearce Quesenberry in the goal, both of whom stepped up to play goalie for the first time this season. The biggest news so far centered around the team is the win against rival school, Ursuline Academy. Many players and spectators had a sense of déjà vu as Padua came out victoriously after a close match on Ursuline’s home field, just as Padua did at the close of last season. With many more thrilling games to come, the Padua Field Hockey team is sure to have an exhilarating season.