Vicars Named to Junior National Team

7/30/2010
     Kali Vicars knows her recent selection to the U17 Junior National field hockey team wasn’t solely on her own merit.
     The St. Catherine’s rising junior believes her development took place as much on the field as off it – with her teammates, coaches and teachers shaping her into the athlete she is today.
     Vicars was recently named to the Junior National Team by USA Field Hockey following a Junior National Camp at the University of Maryland. Read more.   
     “Since starting at St. Catherine's, (field hockey) Coach Warner has taught me so much about the game,” Vicars said. “He not only has taught me the tactics and skills that are necessary for the game but has also taught me how to develop physically and emotionally into a strong athlete.
     “St. Catherine's players, past and present, have challenged me to push my limits and compete at a high level. The teachers at St. Catherine's have taught me how important balance is and also have pushed and encouraged me to succeed.”
     During the four-day Junior National camp each group played two to three sessions daily. The athletes also participated in a tactical session that was carried out in a classroom setting.
     The teams were named at the conclusion of the camp. According to USA Field Hockey, the coaches at the camp said it was a tough choice to finalize the team because of the improved talent of the athletes, specifically in the U17 age group.
     “Kali's selection to the U17 National Team benefits everyone in our program - from the aspiring seventh grader on up to our upcoming 2010 team,” Saints field hockey coach Don Warner said. “Kali's hard work and determination have put her in a position that few athletes ever experience - the opportunity to wear USA in international competition.”
     The Junior National team will have practice sessions in Chula Vista, Calif. at  the U.S Olympic Training Center. The team will then travel to Holland to compete in the late spring of 2011.
     “I feel that it is a great honor and privilege to be named to this team,” Vicars said. “I know it is big achievement and I know that I could not have reached it without the help of my teammates and coaches from both St.Catherine's and Saints Field Hockey Club.
     "Some things that I hope to gain from the Junior National team are new friendships, additional knowledge of the game and experiences playing at an international level."