Alexa's Field Hockey Career

Today, on the 304th day of 2019, I sat in the stands and watched Alexa play Varsity FH for her school for the last time.  Yes, that means that on 10/31/19, Haddonfield defeated Collingswood (6-1) for the Group 1 NJ Section Championship.  What a fun season it has been and, as I sat there just taking it all in as the seconds ticked down to the end of an era, I just could not help but to be filled with gratitude for Alexa's Field Hockey Career.  From the first time she attended a camp behind OPS, to when she played for Oaklyn as a 5th grader, to her three years as a starter for the Middle School Varsity, to her games with the Colls Travel FH Club, to all of the Futures sessions and tournaments, to these last four years playing for Collingswood HS Field Hockey.  I will admit to not always knowing the rules of the game (STILL), but I know I can recognize the skills she gained as an on-field player (thanks to her hard work and the excellent teachings of ALL of her coaches), I can recognize the leadership she developed and provided as a Senior Captain this year (I love this group of Seniors and the culture they developed where all players felt welcomed and valued), to the friendships she has gained and developed that will, likely, last for much longer than the end of this career.  She may play Club or Intramural at whatever college she may attend and, I would guess, she'll play in some rec fun games, but this is the end of her HS Career and I am both sad and proud.  As the first sport in which this is occurring, I was not sure the range of emotions I would feel but, wow, did I feel the emotions as I watched the team, after the game, hug and cry with and console each other.  Once again, so happy that Alexa and Anna's school values academics, but also athletics and the arts.  Life skills, life lessons, lifetime memories, and like life-long friendships.  All a result of Alexa's Field Hockey Career and, for that, I am so grateful.  On to basketball and then softball.... I doubt this will get any easier for any of us.