This year, the field hockey team was expecting a rebuilding year. After graduating a large, talented senior class the year before and with a brand new head coach, a historic season seemed far out of reach for Wayne Valley’s young squad. However, the field hockey team proved all doubters wrong and pulled off the best season the team has had in 30 years. They finished with a 15-5-1 record on the season including thrilling victories over reigning county champions West Milford, previously undefeated Northern Highlands, crosstown rivals Wayne Hills and North Jersey powerhouses Mendham and Montclair. They also were able to earn a first-round bye in the state sectional tournament and home field advantage in sectional quarterfinals as the 3rd seed. The team also advanced to the semi-final round of the Passaic County Tournament and made their first state sectional semi-final appearance since 2012, where they ended their season in a tough 2-1 loss to 2nd seeded West Morris.

Individual talent was highlighted as well. The team had 8 players selected to all-league and all-county teams, and three seniors were selected for the North Jersey Senior All Star Game for their efforts this season. The team was led in goals by DeSales University-bound senior Catie McGrath, who recorded 26 goals and 10 assists on the season. Catie also led Passaic County in goals and was nominated for Passaic County Player of The Year. She recorded her 100th career point for Wayne Valley, becoming one of the few players in Wayne Valley field hockey history to do so. On the defensive side, sophomore goalie Amelia Vacca led her stellar defense to 13 shutouts in 21 games and recorded 81 saves on the season. This season was nothing short of historic, and big things are coming for our field hockey team.