Mountain Lakes, New Jersey is by far one of the smallest towns in the state. With just over 4,000 residents, everyone who lives here understands just how important Laker Pride is. This teeny town is all about sports and school, especially lacrosse. Besides lacrosse, there are several other teams who really know what it means to show off your orange and blue spirit. The Mountain Lakes Field Hockey team is unlike any other high school team. This team isn't just about athletic ability and all-around talent. Mountain Lakes Field Hockey represents a close-knit family with a never-ending potential to always be better. Sometimes our team just doesn't get enough credit for how great we actually are. My life would truly be different without such a great group of people to be surrounded with almost everyday. As Mountain Lakes Field Hockey players, there are quite a few things that other teams just don't get.
1. August 15th.
By the time summer comes, every athlete starts getting into shape for the fall, winter, or spring seasons. All Mountain Lakes Field Hockey players, however, remember August 15th a little bit differently. This special day isn't just about the first day of preseason. August 15th is the day where we're either ready to rock the field or start panicking because you put that summer workout packet aside all summer, Whatever it is, no team does it better than MLFH.
2. We have the worst tan lines.
After spending all of August in the sun, every Mountain Lakes Field Hockey player understands just how difficult it is to see your cute summer tan go to waste. Nothing gets more awkward than white calves, tan knees, and white thighs. In the end, it's all worth being part of and committed to a fun-loving, friendly team.
3. Mouth guards are essential.
If mouth guards aren't clinging to our sports bras, they're most likely being chewed on nonstop. For some it's a stress reliever and for others it's just something to do when you're bored. Mouth guards are also a requirement on the field and if you are caught without one, you'll end up running a lot for it. Without them though, games and practices would be quite scary. If you want to keep your pearly whites, you probably want to keep the mouth guards in at all times!
4. Ice and heating pads are an everyday thing.
We run everyday so these things are a necessity! From muscle aches to sore legs, hot baths aren't enough to take away the pains. If we aren't at the trainer's room icing and heating, we're most definitely doing it at home.
5. Our backs hurt a lot.
Field hockey players are constantly running for the ball or reaching for it. If you aren't using your legs enough to get as low as possible then you'll eventually get back pains. This is a struggle for every girl on the team at least once in a while.
6. We have a love/hate relationship with skirts.
Field Hockey skirts are cute and comfortable but it isn't ever easy chasing the ball when your skirt is constantly riding up and down your legs. They're great for warm weather but on the coldest of fall days, you're most likely stacking up on layers underneath, which can definitely be a hassle.
7. Double days can be tiring.
During preseason, some days we practice twice. It get's exhausting along with everything else that we have to do during our summer days but it's worth being healthy and fit. We're always struggling to decide whether or not it's worth it to shower in between sessions or not. Our first practices are usually harder than the second because we're training to be in our best shape possible. Our afternoon practices almost always include scrimmages or fun team bonding games that help our team grow closer.