West Essex Field Hockey senior captain Sophia Sisco and sophomore goalie Katie Moran have been selected to play in a tournament in Europe this April for Team USA. Both Moran and Sisco are very excited to represent America, along with other players from all across the country. Sisco is heading to Spain with the U18 team, and Moran is going to play in the Netherlands with the U16 team.
Players are chosen for the teams after a year-long process. Over time, there have been several selection camps where they have competed against girls in New Jersey, their region and then the entire country. Both girls continued to succeed and make their way to the very end, punching their ticket to be members of the national teams. Making the national team is a very competitive journey, and they are both proud of how far they have come. While looking ahead to their journey, Sisco and Moran are excited about representing their country and meeting new coaches and teammates.
“I am mostly excited to wear a Team USA jersey and represent my country in Spain and be with all the other girls,” Sisco said.
“I am excited to meet new girls from all over the country and to form new friendships,” Moran said.
While not playing field hockey, the girls will have some free time to explore, whether that is going to the beach or attending professional sporting events. Both girls will learn more about traveling independently to another continent.
Their time playing at West Essex under Coach Cosse has helped them become global competitors on the national stage. Cosse has encouraged them to stay consistent in the off-season so that opportunities like this can become a reality. Sisco has known Cosse for a very long time and praises her for keeping her motivated throughout the season.
“I think having a motivating coach and someone that pushes you to pick up your stick in your free time is a big thing,” Sisco said. “If I didn’t have that, then I probably wouldn’t be as motivated.”
Throughout the fall season, West Essex crafts a schedule where they face nationally recognized teams to help the girls feel more prepared in challenging games. Moran uses these games and her experiences to help prepare for the Netherlands and build her confidence.
“Cosse does a great job of building everyone’s confidence and putting us in situations she knows we will learn from,” Moran said. “I am grateful to know what real challenging games were like going into the tournament.”
Using these experiences can help them continue to excel and potentially reach Olympic teams in the future. Both Sisco and Moran are focused on performing well and are excited to see where this experience will take them.
