By DAN PAWLOWSKI
WAKEFIELD — Communication is key.
The best field hockey teams are always communicating. Whether with passing, positioning, calling out opposing player movements or just some good, old-fashioned positive support, the 2025 Wakefield High field hockey team is focusing on communication as one of their main goals for the season.
“It helps with players making fast decisions and maintaining organization on the field,” said head coach Cara Luca. “Communicating builds trust in each other and helps with team morale.”
Talking off the field helps too. The Warriors have chatted about what they want to accomplish this season after a bit of a down year in 2024. Wakefield had plenty of newcomers and not much experience last season. This year, they return 13 seniors and 7 juniors.
“Most of the team are returners,” said Luca. “We missed the tournament last year so getting a spot this season is one of our goals.”
Leading that charge will be senior captains Sophia DeAngelis, Maya Kenny and Ally Pesa. Pesa and junior Marie Estrada, both midfielders, are Wakefield’s two returning All-Stars this season.
Together, the 20 seniors and juniors are building a team-first mentality.
“Cohesion is always a goal for the coaches and the team,” says Luca. “We want to develop strong teamwork, communication and a positive culture — building each other up and encouraging each other. It’s important to focus on the present and not dwell on past games or mistakes.”
Wakefield’s culture of team and communication was tested early with 3-0 and 6-1 losses to Arlington and Melrose. They stuck with it and bounced back, taking Woburn to the wire in a close, 2-1 game and earning their first win, 2-1 over Stoneham last week. They followed that with a 1-1 tie against Tewksbury on Monday.
Junior goalie Jordan Loftus has had a strong game in net and Wakefield’s defense was sharp from start to finish at Landrigan Field.
Estrada scored Wakefield’s goal against Tewksbury and the Warriors will rely on her offensive output as well as her defensive instincts this season.
Wakefield earned possession after a battle in the midfield which was won by Kenny who moved it up to Estrada. The junior used her speed to beat multiple defenders and stuck with it in front of Tewksbury’s goal, finishing for a 1-0 lead. The visitors ended up tying it in the second half but Wakefield had a strong game overall.
Wakefield has many players expected to step up this season, all ready to communicate and work as a team.
“We want the girls to have fun, work hard each day, never give up and keep fighting regardless of what the score is,” said Luca.
The Warriors fell to Belmont on the road Tuesday. They will bring a 1-4-1 record into Burlington today against an 0-4-2 Red Devils team.