College Sports
New era in Marblehead field hockey begins with two home games during Labor Day week
When the Marblehead High School field hockey team reported to the first day of practice on Monday afternoon (Aug. 18), they were introduced to a new coaching style after Alison Carey replaced Mia Maccario as its new varsity head coach. Maccario was in charge of the program the last two years.
Carey admits that she’s new to coaching field hockey, but has a passion for the sport after playing it in college. “I’m new to coaching field hockey, but did play it at the club level in college, and absolutely fell in love with it,” she said. “Overall, sports and competition have been an important part of my life, not to mention my own children’s lives, as well. I’ve learned from wonderful coaches and colleagues throughout the years, including many currently here at the high school.”
The first-year coach also mentioned that she’s fortunate to have “a very strong and well-supported athletic department,” led by athletic director Kent Wheeler, here in Marblehead. It’s a real benefit for many of us, who are also full-time teachers or staff members,” she added. “This a special opportunity for me to coach here in Marblehead, and the messages that I have received from my fellow coaches have been most heartening.”
Carey is a clinical social worker in the high school’s BRYT Program (Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition). “Social work in Sport and Mental Performance are special interests of mine, and so in addition to my day job, I have also been working with our athletic director to strengthen the mental health program for our student-athletes, beginning with the Sports Injury Referral Program. We also support our Captains Leadership Council.”
But getting back to field hockey, Carey and her assistants will hit the ground running in order to prepare the team for its scrimmage at Lynnfield against the Pioneers on Aug. 27, starting at 4 p.m.
Charlotte Plakans, one of those assistants, is the team’s assistant varsity coach and JV head coach. She was also with the program last year.
Megan Parthum, the current girls assistant ice hockey coach, is also a member of Carey’s staff as the JV2 head coach. Tawny Callaghan is back in charge of the middle school program. “Tawny sets a very strong foundation for our players,” said Carey.
“I can tell you that our program has many talented, hardworking athletes, and our overall goal for this year is to have a competitive season, while also helping the team grow at the same time as athletes and teammates,” the first-year varsity coach said.
Kate Andriano, Chloe Rowland, Keliane Salem, Paige Waldman and Avery Wysor are this year’s varsity captains. “They are ready to lead the team, along with our returning seniors,” said Carey. “On a personal note, I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to build on the legacy of this program, while continuing to grow it with these players.”
These Magicians will begin the regular season the day after Labor Day on Sept. 2 against non-league Malden Catholic at Piper, starting at 4 p.m. Two days later, non-league Bishop Fenwick comes to Piper for a game at the same time.
