Varsity field hockey's Jackie Hardie '18 and varsity cross country's Shifra Eskin '20 were selected by HAA as "Panthers of the Week."
In field hockey, it is difficult to accumulate stats if you are not a goal scorer on the forward line or you are not in the goal racking up saves. They don't keep track of blocks, caused turnovers, or interceptions. While the stats show Jackie Hardie '18 as the team leader in assists, these contributions pale in comparison to her overall impact on the team and program.
A starting player since her freshman year, Hardie has been the anchor to Holton's midfield. She is a poised player who unselfishly transitions the ball from defense to offense, and she has the best stick handling skills on the team. Her coaches describe her as, "a unique leader. She encourages her teammates, she looks for ways to help individuals grow, and she consistently works to improve her game. Our team and the program are better because of Jackie's contributions."
As a freshmen entering Upper School, girls encounter new experiences around every turn. This was especially true for Shifra Eskin '20 when she went out for the cross country team. Not only was she a freshmen, but she was new to the sport of cross country. After playing field hockey throughout Middle School, Eskin decided to try something new.
Eskin took to the sport quickly and has been the team's number two runner all season. Her coaches commend her hard work and her teammates admire her tenacity to always be at her best. Through the season she has developed as a runner and became more confident in her abilities. At the Keyser Invitational, Eskin ran a sub 20 minute for three miles and finished in 11th place. At Flint Hill, she finished in second place with another strong 5k performance.
Be sure to come cheer on Shifra and the entire varsity cross country team on Saturday, October 29 at the ISL Championships at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, MD. The JV race begins at 12:45 p.m. and the varsity race begins at 2:30 p.m. Click here to check out pictures of the cross country team in action.
Check back next week to see where field hockey will be seeded as they enter the ISL tournament. They will start their quest for a championship at 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, November 2. Click here to check the field hockey team page for the most up to date times, scores and locations.