BY JOSH LASHLEY
WEST MILFORD — When a student-athlete on the West Milford High School field hockey team needs to turn to a fellow player for advice, they need not hesitate to approach any of the three senior captains - Megan Chiovaro, Taylor Messler or Lindsey Welch.
Highlanders’ head coach Krista Provost is not surprised that Chiovaro, Messler and Welch have grown into the important leadership roles.
“Chiovaro, Messler and Welch demonstrated great leadership as underclassmen and juniors in their previous seasons and involvement in the field hockey program,” Provost said. “The team conducts a vote at the end of each season, so the coaches are able to gain an idea of which athletes the players feel would be the best fit as well."
This season, the athletes nominated as captains Chiovaro, Messler and Welch, they were voted by their teammates and the coaches confirmed this selection.
“It was good to know that both the athletes and coaching staff were on the same page for the captains of the 2013 season. These three girls perform well academically, and have been involved in multiple sports, so it was obvious they can multi-task and continue to be consistent with their schooling. I wanted girls who can balance both athletics and academics, and be role models for the younger athletes in the program.”
Provost enjoys watching the way in which the captains treat their fellow field hockey players with respect.
“My three captains have helped their teammates to improve on and off of the field,” Provost said. “I often tell the athletes that their mental game is just as important as their physical game. Sometimes the girls psych themselves out before a big game and my captains have done a phenomenal job getting the girls excited and focused for the games.
“Here are some examples that the girls have stepped up and done on their own: team ’pump up’ notes, individual letters and baked treat packages for each player, visited homerooms of the athletes and dropped off letters, famous quotes recorded on decorated card stock for teammates, talks after practice before a big game, talks after warm ups before a big game, and finally, leading the team during the games and providing advice and suggestions on and off of the field.”
Provost had confidence in these young women from the start.
“I believe all three (captains) gained confidence this season and it shows on the field,” Provost said. “There was no doubt in my mind that they would be able to take on the large responsibility of being a captain, however, their performance on the field and attitude about themselves has definitely changed for the better this season. On the field, Messler has no problem stepping up and intercepting passing from the opposing team, something she may have hesitated on in the past. Chiovaro is quick with her dodges down the sideline and in field play, something I know she worked on during her off season.
“Welch started on the left side of the field, and soon performed her best as the right wing, carrying the ball down the field and crossing it into the shooting circle for our forwards. Overall, I feel as though the three student-athletes learned the importance of solid leadership and that by having good leaders, the team will follow and respond in a positive way. This is an important life-skill and I am glad the girls were able to learn it at this point in their lives.”
The Highlanders qualified for the NJSIAA North I Group III Sectional Tournament as the No. 6 seed and advanced to the championship game. They lost a tough championship game 1-0 to Northern Highlands.