With many players balancing competitive club schedules or summer jobs, Oakville’s field hockey team relies on self-discipline during the offseason.
Coach Jackie Neeley notes that while the team doesn’t run an official summer training program, the athletes still stay sharp through individual effort and optional camps hosted by Gateway, AIM and the St. Louis Field Hockey Club. Oakville’s own camp, held in late July, serves as the program’s unofficial kickoff.
“It gives us a nice jumpstart back into the season,” Neeley said.
This year, the Tigers will also participate in the Gateway Field Hockey Classic at Sportport on August 29–30, giving them an early look at top regional talent.
Despite intense heat and a few weather-related delays, the first week of practice has gone exceptionally well, according to Neeley.
“The girls are giving me tons of effort and lots of smiles, but it is super-duper hot on that turf,” Neeley said. “These girls are pleasant, resilient and they maintain the most positive attitudes despite any unpleasant playing conditions.”
Neeley and assistant Matt Schraut spent the summer prepping new drills, pulling from video resources and written schematics to make every practice more effective.
Although captains had not yet been officially named at press time, the Tigers will lean on a strong core of returning seniors to lead the way. That group includes: Lily Belmar, Savannah Hanak, Brooke Wilson, Annabelle Smith, Laura Benignus, Lily Bolin, Allyson Christopher, Lily Stevens and Hadley Pepper.
“They’re natural leaders on and off the field,” Neeley said. “They lift each other up and set the tone every day.”
While the program hopes for a winning season and continual improvement, success is measured by more than just wins and losses.
“We promote character, responsibility, leadership and ‘adulting,’ both on and off the field,” Neeley said. “They maintain high academic standards, balance home, school and sports, and they bring so much joy to my life.”
When asked about the Tigers’ biggest strength heading into the 2025 campaign, the Oakville coach did not hesitate.
“Their team bond and camaraderie,” Neeley said. “They care for and look out for each other, and they do everything with smiles on their faces — whether it’s crab walks, bear walks or running in 109-degree heat.”
