Sherman Takes Teamwork to Hamilton

Before each game, the Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers’ field hockey team would break its huddle with a poem reminding the team members of teamwork and camaraderie.

That sense of togetherness that newly-graduated Samantha Sherman felt in that huddle and with her team is a big reason why she is heading to Hamilton College to continue her field hockey career and college studies.

Sherman, who plays defense, was a big cog in the Panthers’ 22-2 season that saw the team win the Somerset County title and the State Sectional Title.

“Playing field hockey at Bridgewater-Raritan was such an amazing experience and has influenced my game tremendously,” she said. “I will miss high school and will definitely miss my field hockey team. We developed such a strong bond and a sense of trust on and off the field.”

Sherman, who’s undeclared for her major in college, will be playing for a Hamilton that’s been on the uptick under head coach Gillian McDonald. The Continentals, which play in Division III, won a program-high 13 games last year, and, in the previous year, the team won 12 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

“I am really looking forward to playing for Coach McDonald,” she said. “I have only heard wonderful things about her coaching style and her commitment to her players."

Hamilton is also moving into a new conference, the New England Small College Athletic Conference. The school returns a talent-laden team for this upcoming season, and Sherman is looking forward to fitting in with her new teammates.

“I’m hoping to fit into Hamilton’s field hockey program wherever I am needed and I am willing to fulfill any role,” she said. “Last year, the team only graduated one senior so I am hoping that I will be able to develop into a stronger player through practicing and getting a little playing time as well."

“There will be 11 seniors on the team this year, so I am looking forward to learning from their experience," she added. “Based on our conversations, I think I will be able to adapt to her coaching style very well.”

Field hockey is a fast moving sport that requires skill and athleticism.

“To someone who is unfamiliar with field hockey, the game can be very confusing due to the constant whistles and changes in possession,” Sherman said. “Field hockey is similar to soccer as the object of the game is to score in the opponent’s goal."

“There are numerous fouls such as obstruction, foot, high stick and third party that make field hockey a unique sport,” she added.

Sherman said she has been playing field hockey since the fifth grade, and, to get prepared for the upcoming year, she’s training hard.

“I train year-round for field hockey,” she said. “I play for a club team during the fall, winter and spring, and with this team I attend various national tournaments."

“In addition, I see a personal trainer twice a week all year who help assist with my muscular and cardiovascular fitness," she added. "I constantly run on my own as well.”

Sherman said that while field hockey is physical, adapting and conquering the mental aspect is key to becoming a good field hockey player.

“Although a field hockey player should possess physical qualities typical of most athletes, like speed, strength and endurance, I would say that a large portion of the game is mental,” she said. “A great player will have the drive to recover immediately when beaten by the opponent. Heart or true commitment, determination and compassion are imperative."

A big influence on Sherman's career at Bridgewater, outside of her teammates, was Coach Kathie DeBonis, who’s built a field hockey powerhouse at Bridgewater.

"Coach DeBonis was a monumental influence during my career,” she said. “She is such a dedicated coach, and truly emphasizes the meaning of team."

“She has enabled me to develop into a confident, intelligent and selfless player," she added. "I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for Coach DeBonis.”

With a successful high school career complete, there is no doubt Sherman will take the traits that made the Panthers successful with her into her collegiate field hockey career.

“I do believe that I am ready to experience a new journey and move on to college,” she said.