“If you’re not outlined in chalk, you’re fine to play” has been Catie Laraway’s motto for her past four years playing field hockey for the Williston Northampton School.
That kind of toughness and dedication resulted in some broken front teeth for the senior (since repaired) and a knee that has been smashed so often that her coach, Logan Brown, thinks it might now have multiple kneecaps.
It’s also resulted in Ms. Laraway setting a new career goals record at Williston—her 85 mark solidly broke the previous record of 60. She also set a new record for goals in a single season, with 38 this year, 10 over the previous record.
At the end of the fall season Ms. Laraway was voted the Wildcats Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row. In addition, she was named to the Western New England All-Star Team and to the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) Class B All-Tournament Team.
This month, Ms. Laraway signed a letter of intent to play Division II field hockey next year at Assumption College (Worcester, MA), a member of the Northeast-10 Conference. She chose the school, she said, because of Coach Annie Lahey and her belief that she would be a good fit for the Greyhounds.
Athletic Director Mark Conroy praised Ms. Laraway’s achievements, “In a program with such a rich tradition, Catie’s accomplishments were truly outstanding. It is more than coincidence that all four of her teams won the Class B Western New England championship while qualifying for the very selective NEPSAC tournament.”
As she leaves Williston, Ms. Laraway took a moment to reflect on her career as a Wildcat. She remembered this year’s Northfield Mount Hermon game during which she scored her 85th goal as a highlight.
“It was awesome, and they gave me the game ball,” she said. “It was an accomplishment I worked hard for over four years on varsity field hockey.”
Ms. Brown added, “Catie will be remembered for her grit and determination. She always worked hard in practice, showed incredible toughness, and was one of the most aggressive players I have ever encountered. When she puts her game face on—watch out—she is unstoppable. I am confident that she will add a lot to Assumption’s program next year.”