Yaney Looking to Become a Leader

Rachel Yaney didn’t find field hockey—the sport found her. 

It all started in middle school, when Yaney had to make a decision that would forever change her athletic career.

“I only started playing field hockey in middle school because there was no soccer team,” Yaney said. “I played soccer my whole life, but after I played field hockey I just really liked it. There are a lot more opportunities in field hockey for the high school, and even in college, which weighed heavily in my decision.”

Yaney’s decision looks like the right one, and the Panthers have been the beneficiary.  

The field hockey team is primed for another trip back to the State Sectional Final, and Yaney is part of a talented group of girls that also includes junior Catherine Caro and seniors Jessica Casterline and Kayla Sullivan.  

It is easy to say that expectations are high for the team.

“Every year we come into the season asking ‘how is this team going to be this year,’” Yaney said. “We usually end up coming together and so far this season we have done just that. I am hoping for and expecting a great season from us.”

So far those expectations have been met early in the season. The Panthers sit at 2-0 entering Tuesday’s matchup against a tough Warren Hills team, and Yaney has three goals and one assist early in the season.

There are many things that Yaney has done to be prepared for this season. One thing is by staying active all year playing multiple sports. 

Yaney is also a member of the girls lacrosse team and although she says field hockey is her sport of choice, lacrosse helps her stay in shape.

“Most of the girls on the field hockey team also play lacrosse,” Yaney said. “If you ask most of us, we’ll say we prefer field hockey and I think that’s because most of us started by playing field hockey. Both sports are great because they are similar and both help you stay in shape all year round.”

Yaney has also had an opportunity the last two summers that many athletes do not get. She was first selected to the National Futures Championship (NFC) team, in which she had the opportunity to play with some of the best players around the country.

From there, she was selected for the more exclusive Junior Olympic team that played in New Orleans during the first week of August. This year, however, was a little different for Yaney who had the opportunity to play with a few of her Bridgewater teammates.

“I was really excited to be picked for these teams the first year,” Yaney said. “This year though I was even more excited when I found out my friends were going to be with me. Christen Piersanti was on NFC’s with me and we both got picked for Junior Olympics while Catherine Caro also joined us on the team. It was so much fun to share the experience with them.”

Playing for these nationally recognized teams has only made Yaney a better player. And her experience on these teams has helped her become a leader, which has been one of her goals as she is now an upperclassman.

“It’s a different experience,” Yaney said. “You have never met a lot of these girls before and you’re forced to come together and play as a team. When you’re playing with such talented girls from different areas, you learn a lot of things about them and yourself. Playing with the best makes you better and it really is a lot of fun.”

“Now that I’m an upperclassman, I need to be a role model to the younger girls,” she added. “I also need to be a leader on the team. My goal is to help out the underclassman and make them better on and off the field, and if I can do that, our team can grow and go a long way.”

A tough week lies ahead for Yaney and the Panthers. They travel to Warren Hills on Tuesday, Hillsborough on Thursday and then host Mountain Lakes on Saturday at 10 a.m.