By Andrew Chirico
Sports Editor
Despite the end of the field hockey season in late October, senior Elizabeth Davis will get to lace up for one more game.
Davis was chosen by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association to play in the North/South Senior Game, this Saturday. She will join 60 other players at William Smith College in Geneva, N.Y.
After receiving an email from both former Head Coach Rachel Boyle and former Athletic Director Dr. Bryan Matthews sharing the news, Davis knew she would be able to play collegiate field hockey one last time.
“I am looking forward to putting on my uniform one more time and getting to play,” said Davis. “One of the best feelings is getting ready with your team and getting excited about the game.”
The awards for Davis can’t be counted on two hands, most notably being named First Team All-Centennial Conference for three straight seasons as well as being named the team’s Most Valuable Player in 2014 and 2015.
“I feel the field hockey program at WAC has developed me both as a person and player,” she said. “I have gained so many life lessons and friends from a school that has truly created a future for me. I have my team and coaches to thank for continuously pushing me academically and athletically.”
In her four seasons, Davis started all 67 games, scoring a total of 34 goals, assisting on 20, and totaled for 88 points. Boyle, who coached Davis for all four seasons, got a chance to know her well.
“I would begin by saying that Elizabeth is an incredibly talented player and remarkable young woman. It is difficult to capture into words her impact on the team and her overall commitment to her endeavors, both as an athlete and student,” said Boyle. “She has a tireless work ethic, she expects the most of herself in everything that she does, and this coupled with her talents, separates her from the gifted athletes and/ or worker bees – she is both.”
Although Davis was a captain last season, Boyle recognized the ability of Davis to “challenge her leaders” which is what she will miss most about her. “She was capable of bringing out the best not only in her teammates, but also in me. She wasn’t afraid to provide ideas, influence through her leadership, question things that may not have made sense, she was capable of balancing a respect for others while challenging them to think outside the box and/ or think beyond what you knew,” said Boyle.
The selection to the North/South Senior Game is a benefit to the program as a whole.
“It means so much to the program and I’m honored that she is being recognized for all that she’s invested through four years of playing,” said Boyle. “If you have watched any game not only this season but throughout her career, Liz stands out – because she is an unselfish player with an unwavering drive to always make the plays she needs to make – she commits.”
The game can be seen via through a live steam provided by Hobart and William Smith College’s athletics webpage. The link can be found under the field hockey schedule, or by typing into the browser http://www.hwsathletics.com/watch/.