(Chelsea Update would like to thank Sharon Kegerreis for the information in this story.)
The Washtenaw Whippets field hockey club welcomes a new middle school team to its program.
Open to 6th-8th grade girls in Chelsea and Manchester, the middle school team kicks off with practice in Chelsea today, but girls are welcome to sign up after the first day of practice.
All eligible girls are invited to join the team and experience this fun, fast-moving sport. No skills are necessary to join; however, girls will quickly need to gain endurance and learn stick and ball skills to pass the ball between players.
Games are scheduled mid-September through mid-October.
Whippets Middle School Coach Sergei Lie is thrilled to be spearheading the inaugural season of this program.
“I’ve coached high school (field hockey) for three years at Grosse Pointe South,” says Lie, “I look forward to returning to the middle school level. I’m hoping to make it fun, safe and educational for everyone and, hopefully, win a few games this fall, too.”
Lie is a middle school math and science teacher at Emerson in Ann Arbor and is a long-time coach of many sports in addition to hockey, including sailing, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball and basketball.
Hailing from a family of 10 children, Lie appreciates every child’s unique qualities.
“I love middle school kids and their habits and funny quirks and am really looking forward to getting to know all of the Washtenaw Whippets girls, parents (and other coaches),” says Lie.
Eighth-grader Rosie Beale is “super excited to get back to hockey.” Beale played in the Whippets’ spring hockey league as part of the Ann Arbor Recreation program.
“The fact that Beach (Middle School) is starting a team this year makes me very happy. I can’t wait to get to know the new team and form bonds with a lot of new people,” says Beale.
Beale’s mother, Sue Whitmarsh, played hockey in England as a youth and at East London University.
“It’s a pretty gutsy sport,” she said.
“Rosie is far braver than I ever was, stepping up to play goalie without hesitation. I’m proud of her and excited for the season to get underway. For girls looking to try out a great team sport this fall, field hockey is a brilliant option,” says Whitmarsh.
Team sports offer a healthy way for school-age kids to build character, learn teamwork, hone social skills and keep active.
Register to play Washtenaw Whippets middle school field hockey here.
Go to “team pages.” Click on “Whippets” under Division I. Then, click on “Online Middle School Registration.” For more information, please contact Leslie Fry at [email protected].
