Hudson field hockey team finds success through consistency, culture

by Martin McConnell

The Hudson High School field hockey team holds itself to high standards, and the team’s fall 2022 season was no different. Its 13-4-1 record, including a 10-1-1 in the conference, placed the Explorers third among high school field hockey teams in Northeast Ohio.

Under the direction of head coach Louise Knox for the past five years, the 2022 squad was possibly one of the school’s most consistent teams in recent years, according to Knox. That consistency can be partially attributed to Hudson’s youth athletic programs, she said.

“We start youth programs in Hudson in second grade,” Knox said. “I think there’s been a winning culture at Hudson, a drive for building relationships, and building character and skills through the game.”

That culture, built up over years of steady success, is perhaps one of the key ingredients to Hudson’s long-term success in field hockey.

The varsity team made it to regional finals this year, winning the district title in a nail-biting match against Hawken School that went into double overtime and was decided ultimately in penalty strokes. The Explorers finished 2021 as regional runners-up as well and have been state title contenders as recently as 2020 and 2018.

Knox noted that the relationship between coach and player is important to keep this consistency within the program.

“When you have those pieces of relationships growing on a team, the level of play elevates,” Knox said. “As a coach, I think that it fundamentally goes into caring about the players and being accountable, holding each other accountable for what it takes.”

Knox spoke very highly of her senior class this year and mentioned that their poise and leadership majorly helped the team. Specifically, Knox highlighted forward Brooke Buchanan as one of the team’s most outstanding players.

“Brooke, she’s [been like a senior] since her freshman year,” Knox said. “She’s an All-Ohio awardee this year, and was Northern Ohio Player of the Year. She was also a captain. We work on developing those leadership skills for players once they enter the program.”

Knox also highlighted the Explorers’ top two goaltenders, senior Molly Curry and junior Elizabeth Karnofel. She noted that the two were instrumental in the team’s success and exceptional defense, allowing just over one goal per game.

“We actually were really lucky. I’m not sure many teams can say this, but we had two outstanding goalies, definitely top of the league,” Knox said. “Each week, they earned the starting position, and both had outstanding seasons.”

Knox explained that her coaching philosophy is to help players focus on the process and be fundamentally sound.

“We’re not seeking perfection. We’re working towards excellence,” she said. “It requires players to trust one another, and a lot of that just comes with building that relationship that grows, on and off the field.” ∞

Featured Photo: Hudson High School senior Molly Curry defends against a penalty shot at the Oct. 25 district semifinal against Hawken School. The Explorers outlasted Hawken to become district champs, but fell to Shaker Heights in the regional match up a few days later. Photo submitted.