The Cardinal Gibbons Field Hockey team has won back-to-back state championships.

On Nov. 2, the score of 3-1 was emblazoned on the scoreboard as every girl on the field ran to swarm their goalie, sophomore Abby McCartney, the second the buzzer rang. The taste of success was a first for some, a second for others, and unforgettable by all.

“Winning states again for the second time ever was such a surreal feeling. It was the perfect ending to not only the great season we had but the amazing four years I had playing field hockey here. It was such an insane feeling to have felt comfortable the whole game. Compared to our win last year this one was so different. We were already up 3-0 at half, while last year we were down until the last few minutes of the game,” said senior captain Army lacrosse commit Rocky Phelps. “Winning a state championship is always a great feeling, but this being the last one for field hockey just made it so much more special.”  

Winning the state championship was more than just a title for these girls, it was a demonstration of everything they fought for in the season. It was about the good and bad days, the countless hours of practice, and the determination of every solitary girl on the team. 

“Winning states senior and junior year has been so rewarding because I’ve been able to see all our progress from my freshman year have an amazing result. I witnessed all our work turn into our goals. That honestly is so rewarding in itself because seeing the growth of every player around me and myself has been such an amazing experience,” said senior captain Catholic University commit Maddie Pennisi.

Throughout the season this team faced many adversities and battled against multiple top teams in the nation. Regardless, they did not get discouraged, and, better yet, they did not give up. Their victory is a testament to their skill, talent, and ability to perform under pressure.

“I am so proud of what we have built and accomplished through this program,” said Pennisi.

Recapping the playoffs, this team started their first round with a blowout against Carrboro. Shortly after, East Chapel Hill was their next competition, but was no match for these girls. Taking Myers Park was their last game before they met Charlotte Catholic, on Nov. 2, for a rematch in the state championship.

“I think our teams hard work since the beginning of the season helped us achieve our goal. We knew that our games wouldn’t be easy towards the end of the season, so we knew we had to put in the extra effort and always work a hundred and ten percent,” said junior Duke commit, Adriana Ensani.

This win was made more special by the strong bond of sisterhood that the team shares. 

“They really emphasized that we were a family. Especially the juniors, like Molly, Adriana, and Alexis. They made it a priority to say hi to me in the halls, and it was such a special feeling. Especially when I was confused or frustrated, they really helped me,” said freshman Kacy Buckle.

Focusing on their relationships on the team as well as their play was a major factor in all of their success.

“Our team is so connected from the seniors all the way down to the freshmen, everyone got along so well. The closeness that we had was the difference maker in the championship game,” said sophomore Chloe Todd.

This talent from this group of girls was unseen in previous years, but their bond as a family is what brought them together to get another ring.

Parting Reflections

Phelps and Pennisi are the only two senior captains on this team. They have spent all four years enhancing their play and skill. Both girls have been prominent and remarkable examples of upperclassmen for the younger girls who have come in. Their hard work has finally paid off, and they have received the recognition and appreciation they deserve.

Embodying the virtues of sportsmanship, sisterhood, and faith, these girls have positively impacted all those around them for the past four years they have spent on this team.

-ROCKY PHELPS-

Phelps is a multi-sport athlete, however, she is extremely talented in both field hockey and lacrosse, and it’s almost impossible to tell that field hockey is her second sport. She has been an inspiration to all she meets and continues to pass along her wisdom to those around her.

Field hockey has had a deeper meaning to Phelps. It has brought out the best in herself, on and off the field.

“Field hockey has reminded me how important it is to have fun and be a good teammate. It’s so easy to get caught up in competitive sports and to be super hard on yourself, get in your head, be selfish, and take everything too seriously. Of course I play sports because they’re fun and I like them, but it’s been pretty hard for me to just relax and not be so serious at times. I started field hockey with no expectations of being good or winning any games, it was literally just for fun. After having such a great freshman year and truly just enjoying myself, it carried over to lacrosse as well,” said Phelps. “It reminded me why I play sports. I play sports to have fun, to make friends, to challenge myself, to uplift others, and so many other reasons that had been forgotten before I picked up field hockey.”

Focusing on relaxing and having fun is a crucial part of sports that is overlooked. Phelps brings to light some of the unnoticed challenges that she has overcome with the assistance of field hockey.

Being known as an upperclassman on any team comes with responsibility. Phelp’s ability to go above and beyond expectations separates her from her peers. As she prepares to graduate, her absence will undoubtedly be felt before games in the coming years.

“I think if I could leave something with the team I would want it to be my hype-up speeches before the game. Right before we would cheer and take the field I would always make up some little speech to get everyone hyped up and I really enjoyed doing it. I don’t know for sure but I like to think that they helped get everyone’s energy up because they definitely got me in the right mindset for a game,” she remembered.

This athlete’s legacy will live on throughout the younger girls on the team, and she will continue to motivate those around her.

“Rocky was a great leader every single practice leading up to the games, but she especially pulled through in the championship. She is such a role model for all, and even when she got hurt she came back out to play with us, and she put her whole heart into it. I’m so grateful to have been able to experience playing with such an amazing teammate, player, and person,” said junior UNC commit, Molly Nussbaumer.

Phelps is a core part of this team, and her departure will be a great loss. She is more than just a teammate, she is a sister.

–Maddie Pennisi-

Maddie Pennisi is a Catholic University field hockey commit. She is a hard-working, devoted player who has taken this sport to a new level.

Throughout the four years, Pennisi has grown as a leader and a player, sharpening her game through hours of practice outside of school.

“This year has been totally different from my first year in the team. It’s been so special to be on the team for four years with Rocky and the memories we have made are priceless. Each year in itself had been different but always so much fun,” she said in a written response. “Over the last four years I feel like I’ve grown so much more confident and secure in my playing and I owe that to the people that have been around me. I’m just happy to have had an amazing experience with these girls for four years and I can’t wait to see what they will continue to do!”

She hopes to leave her work ethic with the team when she graduates.

“Something I want to leave with the team is to always be the hardest worker,” Pennisi said. “We have done that the last four years and it has led us to the success we have had and we can continue to succeed by outworking our opponents. Our effort is the one thing we can control and will help us succeed.”

Pennisi is an important asset on the field and her understanding of the game is critical for the development of the team. Her commitment to practice and teamwork is something that makes her admirable to all.

“Maddie was a great leader and she always brought a lot of energy to the games and practice,” said sophomore Chloe Todd.

This girl will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of playing alongside her.