Trailing 3-0 with just under three minutes remaining on the game clock, a hushed tension fell over the atmosphere at Kehler. The Blue Devils had struggled to find the back of the net until one of the most memorable plays of the season occurred. Senior captain Katie Walsh dribbled into the circle, passing the ball to senior captain Erin Doherty on post. As the ball flew off Doherty’s stick past the goalie, the sideline erupted in cheers. Walsh had completed her 21st assist of her career, breaking Westfield field hockey’s record. A record untouched for over 30 years.
Walsh was able to surpass the assist record across her three year varsity career. “The assist record is super special because it’s not just me, it’s my whole team. I think it shows how over my last four years in the program we’ve grown so much. Everyone’s been able to contribute, and at the end of the day, it’s something we have been working for all season,” said Walsh.
The significance of assists in a game like field hockey cannot be overstated. Assists represent a player who sacrifices personal glory for the collective success of the team. Walsh is a selfless person and player, and as a captain, she helps to set a good example for all athletes who follow in her footsteps.
Field Hockey assistant head coach, Katie DaSilva, felt that for, “the whole team it is amazing. I’m really happy for Katie because I got to see her be unselfish and give all these assists to the program to make it better.”
Walsh has proven to be an asset to the team, making a significant impact on the field throughout her career at Westfield. In her sophomore year, she emerged as a starting varsity player, and she finished the season with the second highest number of assists that year. During her junior year, she excelled further by tying the lead in assists with another teammate for the 2022-23 season. Now, in her senior season, Walsh stands out as the team’s assist leader, demonstrating her exceptional skill and value to Westfield’s field hockey program.
The improvement in skill, however, did not begin overnight. Walsh practices the sport year-round. She even quit lacrosse, the sport she played first, so she could devote more time to field hockey. During the school year, Walsh can be seen practicing with her club team, NJGrit, at least twice a week.
The hours of practice, the blood, sweat and tears Walsh has put into field hockey were reflected in not just breaking this record, but her performance in her career as a whole. Breaking this record is not just a reflection of Walsh’s success in the program, but the field hockey program and its future as a whole.
