On the field, Adie Minnella is known for her show stopping performances, but her connection to field hockey goes much deeper than her stats and accomplishments.
She has grown up with a field hockey stick in her hand, surrounded by a program, a family and a community that has helped shape her into one of New Jersey’s most impressive players.
“I’ve been playing since I could learn to walk,” Minnella said. “I learned how to do a pull right probably right before I could learn how to run, I’ve always been super grateful to how I grew up around the sport.”
Now a current senior captain, Minnella has been a staple of the WEFH program all four years with record-breaking performances and more to accomplish, this final season comes with both pressure and excitement.
“This season means a lot to me for obvious reasons since I’m a senior, and I have records to break,” Minnella said.
Her journey started at just 6 years old when she joined her first club team. With no under-10 division, she played with and competed against girls much older than her.
“I played in under-12 games with girls a lot older than me and that definitely helped my development of the game because I was always learning more and one step ahead of kids in my age group,” she said.
The competitive environment stayed with her as she continued to play up until high school where she is coached by her mother and head coach Jill Cosse. Having her coach also be her mom helped shape her both on and off the field.
“I was raised on a lot of values that transition into how I discipline myself on the field, and I get a lot of great, different sides of the player and coach relationship,” Minnella said.
After her final season with the Knights, she is taking her talents to Villanova, where she will be playing alongside her sister Evie.
“Playing with my sister is going to be something that means a lot to me, and it makes Villanova such a special place,” Minnella said.
As the only senior on the team, she wants to make sure she leaves the program in excellent condition for the next generation of players.
“The seniors before me gave me a lot of advice and life lessons to pass down, along with their skills, and I knew I would have to do the same, if not more, for the team once I leave,” Minnella said.
She finished off her impressive high school career as a Group 2 State Champion and also broke the school records of goals scored (160), assists (116) and total points scored (436).
“It’s been really bittersweet,” Minnella said. “While I’m sad my time as a West Essex field hockey player has ended, I’m really grateful for all my opportunities and excited for the future.”
